HUNDREDS of men, women, children and even dogs, stepped out for the annual Midnight Memories Walk this evening.

The walk is held every year and sees people take on an 8.2 mile walk in aid of Bolton Hospice.

Participants were adorned in matching t-shirts marking the 10th anniversary of the event.

The walk was started in Victoria Square at 10pm by actress and vice president of the hospice Maxine Peake.

She said: “It’s an amazing event that brings a lot of people together to raise money for a fantastic cause.

“We all know people that have been touched by loss. We all get older and I think it’s important that there’s somewhere like the hospice where people can be looked after.

"I lost my mum to pancreatic cancer and I was so relieved that she spent the last week of her life there and I’m indebted to the hospice for my mum’s treatment.

“It’s a great fun event and the atmosphere is amazing.”

Before setting off the jubilant crowd enjoyed a Zumba warm up before they embarked on their challenge.

Many walkers had their own reasons for taking part and had written it on special cards on their backs.

Tracy Carter, 47, was doing the walk with her daughter Bethany, 17, in memory of her mum and dad Elizabeth and Michael Baxendale.

She said: “My mum died last month and was in the hospice so it’s something we wanted to do to raise money. I haven’t done it before so I’m looking forward to it but I’m not sure I will finish!”

Nicola Waring, 49, praised the atmosphere, she said: “It’s such a fantastic cause and the atmosphere here is just amazing. It’s a brilliant event and everyone cheers you on, I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t done it before.”

The walk used to start at midnight but it was moved to 10pm last year in a bid to get more families involved.

This year there was a great turn out from people of all ages and chairman of the hospice Judith Bromley was amazed at the number of people.

She said: “To think this is our 10th year and the people are still coming out for it it’s just amazing. I’m overwhelmed by the support.

“You can always rely on the people of Bolton to turn up and support an event and we are going to make a lot of money which will all be put to very good use.

“When you’re walking back and you’re on the last stretch and you can see all the people coming the other way with their flashing ears and bracelets it really does put a lump in your throat.

“To see everyone’s backs as well and see why they are walking for and who it’s in memory of is very emotive.”