THOUSANDS of walkers young and old laced up the walking boots for the annual Meningitis Now Five Valleys Walk on Sunday.

The sun shone overhead as walkers set out over the stunning Cotswolds countryside to raise money to help fight the deadly disease.

The 21-mile circular route passed from Minchinhampton Common to Nailsworth, through Dudbridge and Slad.

Event organiser Laura Gibbs said: People came out in force to help us mark our 30th anniversary this year – it made for a lovely day for everyone taking part and a fantastic awareness and fundraising day for us.

“Thank you to everybody who joined in and helped us raise the vital funds we need to continue our lifesaving and life-changing work, and all the volunteers who helped out and made the day run so smoothly.

“I hope all the walkers have taken away some lovely memories from the day and been inspired to come back again next year – put the date in your diary now, Sunday 24 September 2017. If you sign up before 16 December you’ll be in with a chance to win a fantastic lunch for two at the Painswick, part of the Calcot Collection. ”

Meningitis Now is still collecting sponsorship money but is confident that walkers will have raised over £30,000 for its work raising awareness, funding research and supporting everyone affected by meningitis.

Everyone who raised or donated £30 (by 19 September 2016) was sent a token to redeem against a drink generously donated by Stroud Brewery.

Those who signed up to take part by that date were also entered into a competition to win a signed Gloucester rugby shirt or a Microsoft tablet, and the walk’s top fundraiser will win a fantastic balloon flight, courtesy of Bristol Balloons.

The charity’s chief executive, Liz Brown, said: This has been my first experience of the Five Valleys Walk, and what an enjoyable day it was. It was wonderful to meet so many supporters.

“In particular I’m grateful to the sponsors who have helped make this year’s walk in our 30th anniversary year such a success, including Steppes Travel, Stagecoach West, Stroud Brewery, National Trust, Lister Unified Communications, Connexus, Attwoolls. Angel and Renishaw.”

Meningitis Now funds research, offers support and raises awareness about the disease.

It was first formed as The Meningitis Trust in 1986 as the first charity to fight meningitis in the UK, following a deadly outbreak of the disease in the Stroud district.

A free bus service was on hand to help out any walkers needing a lift back to their starting point.

Meningitis Now funds research, offers support and raises awareness about the disease.

It was first formed as The Meningitis Trust in 1986 as the first charity to fight meningitis in the UK, following a deadly outbreak of the disease in the Stroud district.