THIS year’s carnival walk attracted almost 60 participants, raising more than £1,150 toward the cost of running Liphook’s biggest annual event.

Fifty-eight walkers, including a three-month-old baby in a pram, as well as numerous dogs, set off from The Deer’s Hut, at Griggs Green, on a gloriously sunny Sunday morning.

Fortified by bacon butties and hot drinks, 34 walkers chose the short route of three-and-a-half miles, six tackled the medium route of nine miles, and 18 competed the long route of 11-and-a-half miles.

Last year’s walk was attended by 40 walkers and only managed to raise £430, which was surpassed by one person alone this year.

The prize for the walker raising the most sponsorship cash went to Sally Cameron, a new member of the carnival committee, who managed to raise £542, winning a meal for two at The Deer’s Hut pub.

Walk organiser Rob Harris-Dibben said: “We had some thunderstorms the day before but on the day we had reasonable weather and a great turnout. We are very grateful to The Deer’s Hut for being such great hosts – they provided beacon rolls, coffee and tea before the walk and the use of their facilities.

“I am also grateful to the marshals and back markers who helped out on the day. The route varies every year and this year the long route headed out toward Hammer, across the level crossing, past The Prince Of Wales pub, along Bramshott Common with great views over Hammer Vale, past Waggoners Wells and back to The Deer’s Hut via Bramshott and Conford.”

* The Liphook Carnival is due to take place on Saturday, October 28, starting with the children’s fancy dress competition at 11am at the village junior school, followed by the procession around the village and the crowning of the carnival queen, which starts at 6.45pm. It will be followed by the traditional bonfire and fireworks display at Radford Park around 8.30pm.