WALKERS carrying purple streamers and bows stepped out bravely in the searing heat on Sunday afternoon for the Trowbridge Chamber's 130 Challenge, raising money to help save the Town Hall from closure.

They tackled two 5k loops of the town, with some brave souls - and several enthusiastic dogs - completing the entire route, which due to a couple of diversions, one to avoid a field full of cattle, actually took them over 12k.

Before the start Zumba instructor Maria, whose Town Hall classes will have to find a new home if the building shuts its doors, led them in a warm-up session in Fore Street, volunteers manned water stations en route and local baker and cake decoration shop owner Hilary Henley swelled the funds by selling delicious cakes.

At the half way point the walkers filled up their water bottles and enjoyed healthy snacks and fruit provided by Tesco, before setting off again.

On Tuesday the Chamber revealed that on the day they had collected or had pledged around £3,000 in sponsorship money, plus £1,235.00 from the Just Giving page.

A spokeman said: "However, we do still have four days to go so if you wish to donate visit localgiving.org/fundraising/130challenge

"This is the first fundraising event that the newly reformed Trowbridge Chamber has embarked on and we are very pleased with the businesses that got behind us, which included Monahan Accountants, Medlock Plumbing Services, Forrester Sylvester & Mackett Solicitors, Howard Travel, Scholars, Sportsbug, The Polebarn Hotel, Leykers and the Wiltshire Times.

"It is great when we all pull together for the benefit of the town, businesses and its residents."

The final total from the walk and supporting fundraising, including a raffle, will be announced later this week.