WOMEN have raised thousands of pounds for two charities thanks to a 12-mile night walk around Exeter.

So far, £76,000 in sponsorship has been pledged by participants in the first-ever Exeter Night Walk and organisers hope the final total will be even more.

More than 1,100 walkers took part in the women-only hike, which was co-organised by the Express & Echo, Exeter Leukaemia Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support to raise money for the two charities.

Sponsored by Stones Solicitors, the walk went through Beacon Heath, the city centre and onto the Quay, with a half-way rest at Wyvern Barracks.

Walkers took part in a warm-up with Sweat and Stretch gym before the event was launched by BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers and the city's deputy lord mayor, Kevin Mitchell.

A wide variety of professions were represented, including the police, air stewards, marines, hospital staff, dentists and teachers.

There were also a number of corporate teams, including groups from Francis Clark, the University of Exeter and both Cardens and Stags estate agents.

More than 70 volunteers helped out at the event, providing refreshments, stewarding the walk and cheering women on.

A number of businesses made donations to the event in kind. Somerfield donated 1,000 bananas and Warburtons donated 1,500 rolls. At the end of the walk, the women tucked into hot dogs or egg sandwiches supplied by Wild Cuisine in Holsworthy.

ELF chief executive Dale Edwards said: "ELF is delighted that so many ladies entered and completed the walk, which couldn't have happened without the help of our many corporate partners.

"Seventy six thousand pounds has already been pledged in sponsorship and it would be great if the total could exceed £80,000.

"Monies will be split between ELF and Macmillan."

Judith Jolly, a fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: "It's absolutely brilliant for both charities. It will make a significant difference to how we do things in the area.

"It was a really magical night. Everyone entered into the spirit of things and had a whale of a time."

A cheese and wine party will be held for volunteers who helped out on the night and those who made donations in kind to the event.

The party will take place at Fresha on Sowton Industrial Estate on Thursday, May 14.

Organisers are asking for walkers to send their sponsorship money in as soon as possible.

Walkers are asked to make out any cheques to ELF, and the money will be split equally between the two charities.

Thank you letters and certificates are being sent out this week.

For more details, call 01392 493344.