StarTrek 2013. Picture: Mike Thomas.

More than 300 walkers brave chill easterly winds to take part in the annual Ilfracombe Rotary charity challenge, held this year at Woolacombe.

StarTrek 2013. Picture: Mike Thomas.

BOLD trekkers took to the coast at Woolacombe on Saturday for the annual night time charity StarTrek walk.

Although cold, most teams were able to make their way around the varied course without mishap and for once the obligatory March mud had taken the night off.

Sponsorship is still rolling in, but early indications are the event has raised around £30,000, with the Chemotherapy Appeal plus Children’s Hospice South West and North Devon Hospice as the three main beneficiaries.

Organised by both Ilfracombe Rotary and Ilfracombe Compass Rotary clubs, it was the first time the event, in its 20th year, had used Woolacombe as its base, rather than the traditional setting of Exmoor.

StarTrek 2013. Picture: Mike Thomas.

A total of 58 teams and some 320 walkers were able to experience a wide variety of terrain and surfaces, including the South West Coast Path.

Both Rotary clubs would like to thank all those who helped make the event possible, with many people giving up their time to ensure it ran smoothly and safely, including Chivenor Air Cadets.

A big thank you also went to Ilfracombe Foodservice and Philip Dennis Foodservice, which donated all the food and drinks served to walkers and volunteers during the night.

Finally, organisers thanked all the walkers for their great efforts and the sponsorship they raised.