A SEA of silver and sparkles lit up Blackburn at night as more than 800 woman helped raise essential funds for East Lancashire Hospice.

The third annual Silver Starlight Walk, an eight-mile stroll through the town starting and ending at Ewood Park, started at 10pm last night.

To mark the hospice’s 25th anniversary, this year’s participants were asked to wear tiaras, silver and anything they could find that glittered.

Ann Duckworth took part with colleagues from T J Holt and Associates dental surgery, Preston New Road, in memory of one of their fathers who had been cared for at the hospice.

She said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere and everyone really got into the spirit of things wearing tiaras and wings and special leggings. It was wonderful to see and it kept you going.

“We finished in just short of three hours. My legs are sore now but it was well worth it.

“We have so far raised £600 and our fundraising at the surgery continues next week.”

Organiser Harry Grayson, of the hospice, said: “Everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion marvellously.

"For the first time there was no rain and the first walkers came back at midnight and the stragglers at 2.10am!

“The hospice extends its thanks to the police, the St John Ambulance, RAYNET Ribble Valley, sponsors and all the ladies for their endevours.

"It isn’t easy walking eight miles, but they did us proud.”

Mr Grayson said it was too early to say how much has been raised but it could be as high as £100,000.