YOUNGSTERS from all over Warrington gathered at Orford Jubilee Hub on Sunday night to put their best foot forward to raise funds for St Rocco's Hospice.

The magical evening of lights and excitement saw children holding brightly coloured lanterns, making their way along one-mile course accompanied by the Manchester Samba Band and lots of grown-ups who had come to encourage the children.

Disney princesses, Batgirl and of course Rocco, the hospice mascot, were also there to cheer the children on and pose for photos before the walk.

More than 100 volunteers turned out to welcome the children, distribute the lanterns, marshal the route and hand out medals and goody bags at the end.

This year many of them had gone the extra mile, by wearing fairy lights themselves.

Rachel Ingham, fundraising manager for St Rocco’s, said: “This is always a lovely event.

“These are our youngest supporters and it is great to see them wanting to help us look after our patients and families. They always bring lots of grown-ups with them and we think they enjoy it just as much as the children!

"We’re extremely grateful to all the volunteers, organisations, businesses and individuals who helped us to make this year’s lantern walk a success. Without the sponsorship raised at these kinds of events, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue with our care.”

If you missed the lantern walk, there is another opportunity to shine a light through St Rocco’s Light Up a Life appeal which invites members of the public to dedicate a light on the St Rocco’s Christmas tree in return for a donation towards patient care.

Find out more at www.stroccos.org.uk/events/light-up-a-life/ or call the Fundraising team on 575780.