OVER 1,300 walkers, some in fancy dress and Santa hats, marched along Wey-mouth’s new relief road in support of local charities.

The sponsored walk, set up by cancer charity Weldmar, saw 1,350 brave souls turn out in the cold to march along the route from Bincombe to Littlemoor and back.

Among them were four representatives of Weymouth’s MV Freedom boat for the disabled dressed as pirates and Mary Watson, who is campaigning to bring back Weymouth’s women’s refuge.

The walk is set to raise around £10,000 for Weldmar through walkers’ entry fees plus thousands more for other local charities including the Friends of Weymouth Wom-en’s Refuge and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Ms Watson said: “I’m hoping to raise around £500 which will help us fund the next freedom programme in January, which will enable women to be released from the violence they suffer, help them come to terms with what’s happened and protect their children.

“It took me just over an hour to do the walk and the views have been spectacular.

“I look forward to seeing the new road when it’s in use.”

The chairman of the MV Freedom charity, Jennie Jackson, walked the route dressed as a pirate with her colleagues.

She said: “Today has been about awareness for us.

“People have stopped us and asked why we’re dressed as pirates and we’ve been able to them about MV Freedom and its work.”

Weldmar’s marketing director, Caroline Nickinson, said: “We’ve had about 1,350 people taking part.

“We charged £10 for adults and £5 for children to go to Weldmar and we hope to raise around £10,000.

“It’s been lovely to have so many people out on such a bright day and this has been a unique opportunity to walk along the route.”

Relief road project manager Matthew Piles added: “This has been a great chance for people to see the new scheme and how sensitively it’s been done.

“I’ve heard a number of positive comments from people about the walking, cycle and bridleways.

“The views are beautiful and it’s been a very positive day.

“Weldmar has done a fantastic job.”

The walk was postponed from last Sunday, December 5, because of the severe weather conditions in Weymouth that day.

This resulted in the Santa Run at Thomas Hardye School being cancelled this weekend because Weldmar could not cover both events on the same day.