WHAT a difference a day makes. Twenty four hours earlier, the sky was blue and the weather warm.

But yesterday conditions for the SuperScan walk were anything but super. Grey skies, drizzle and a biting winds greeted more than 200 walkers taking part in the Burnley leg.

But everyone put on a brave face and set out to enjoy the fun occasion with a serious goal - to raise thousands of pounds for the SuperScan Appeal.

None of the walkers setting off from the Comfort Friendly Inn, Burnley, was prepared to tackle the course in fancy dress, but there were plenty of smiles despite the prospect of 19.5 miles of foot-sore slog ahead.

Phillip Smith, eight, of Burnley, was one of the youngest starters. He confidently predicted he would complete the course - "easy" - but dad Dean was a bit more cautious.

"He's going to try his best to keep going until his legs give up," he said. Together with friends, the father-and-son team were hoping to raise around £200.

Police specials Louise Gaskill, 20, and Sheralyn Melton, 21, are used to pounding the beat in Burnley and were not afraid of the challenge.

"It's going to be no problem," said Louise. "I think the weather is better for walking when it's cold." The two were hoping to raise around £100.

A squad of eight walkers, and two dogs, from Burnley outdoor equipment shop Sportak were well prepared for the hike.

There were also groups from Burnley firms GUS and Learoyd Packaging, and from Ribblesdale and Moorland high schools in Clitheroe.

Burnley appeal committee chairman Neil Beecham said: "The weather wasn't too bad for walking. I just wanted everyone to have a good time and hoped the weather wouldn't get so bad it made things uncomfortable for the walkers.

"It was meant to be a fun day and people came to enjoy themselves as well as raise money."

The total raised by the walk will not be known until later this week.

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