Wiltshire Air Ambulance should be at least £10,000 better off after the White Horse Challenge sponsored walk at the weekend.

Participants chose from a variety of challenges, from the full 55-mile walk around Wiltshire white horse chalk figures to the more convivial family walk around a seven-mile route.

Those taking on the full challenge over two days set off from Devizes Millennium White Horse on Saturday morning and visited those at Alton Barnes, Pewsey, Marlborough, Hackpen, Broad Town and Cherhill.

Organiser Richard Edwards, from Monahans solicitors, said the numbers walking had been aided by the unexpectedly good weather.

He said: “We had more than 160 walking, which was the best we have ever had.

“Conditions were about perfect and virtually everybody completed their challenge.

“The White Horse Challenge is a real success. We have raised £30,000 in the first three years so this year’s figure looks in line with that.”

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance appeal needs £500,000 a year to keep going and relies entirely on donations from the public.

The White Horse Challenge is organised by four local businesses: Monahans, Lawn Tender, Premier Training and Rygor Commercials with sponsorship from the Wiltshire Times.