A DAZZLING array of underwear was on show as walkers stepped out on Weymouth seafront to raise funds for a men’s cancer charity.

The Men in Pants Walk 2011 saw around 40 people take on the walk from Weymouth Pavilion to Overcombe Corner and back along the Esplanade with their underwear outside their trousers to support the Orchid cancer charity.

The event started at 11 minutes before 11am to get the message across to men to get regular health checks and not leave it till the 11th hour.

Alex Goracy from event organisers The Rotary Club of Weymouth said it was hoped the event would raise more than £2,000.

He said that although numbers were slightly down on last year, it was hoped the walk would raise awareness and make men think about seeking medical advice before it is too late.

Mr Goracy said: “We have got some very good costumes this year and the idea is not only to raise money for Orchid but also get the message across to guys that they need to get themselves checked out if they think they have a problem. It’s not only fundraising, it’s educational.”

Among those taking part on the walk was Rob Scott, 62, from Preston, who has recently started receiving treatment for cancer of his oesophagus.

He said: “It was a bit of a last minute decision, I started having chemotherapy three weeks ago and thought I should do something for charity. I saw this in the paper and said – I’ll do that.”

Rob added: “It’s an important message – geezers are the worst for going to do something about any problems.”

John Kelly, 65, from Weymouth, was joint winner of the best dressed competition for his decorative underwear choice.

He said: “I have done it for the last few years and I think it’s brilliant.

“People turn up and we raise money but more important is raising awareness.

“It’s good to get the message across cause blokes are useless and often leave it till it’s too late.”

Ian Ferguson, of Weyline Taxis who have supported the event, donned a superhero costume for the walk and said he had a personal reason to take part as both of his brothers had suffered from cancer.

He added: “It’s a nice locally supported event and I think it’s part of what makes Weymouth so special.”

Taxi driver Andy Cox, 64, said: “My main reason for doing it is I lost both my parents to cancer and my grandad died of it before I was born.

“It’s not a very nice thing, especially when my old man was my best mate so it’s a cause close to my heart.”