Flashing bunny ears lit up the night sky as nearly 850 women took to the streets for the eighth Dorothy House Midnight Walk in Bath on Saturday.

Dressed in onesies, pyjamas, nighties and dressing gowns, they set off from SouthGate shopping centre at the stroke of midnight, after an energetic warm-up led by fitness instructor Jane Braham and the ever-popular Butlers in the Buff.

Fuelled by burgers by Gourmet Burger Kitchen and doughnuts donated by Krispy Kreme, they followed the 8km circular route, taking in Bath Abbey, Pulteney Weir, the Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park, arriving back at SouthGate for a welcome drink and Danish pastry.

The 2014 Midnight Walk is raising money for an innovative ‘home from home’ project at Dorothy House in Winsley, which comprises of community lodges that allow patients, their families and carers to stay together in a private setting, cared for by the Hospice at Home team and trained volunteers.

Women from right across the area served by Dorothy House took part in the event and the youngest ‘walker’ of the evening was eight-month-old Theo Betts, in the arms of his mum, Katie Betts.

First-timers Justine Macalister and Gill Feltham, both from Trowbridge, were walking with groups of friends, and agreed that it was an excellent night out, and plan to take part again next year.

The Winsley-based hospice hopes to have raised about £150,000 from the walk – its biggest single fundraising event of the year.

Event organiser Phillippa Watson said: “It is fantastic to see so many people here, all helping the hospice to look after our patients and their families.

"We really appreciate everyone’s commitment to Dorothy House.

“Thanks also go to all the staff and volunteers, including our great team of marshals, who make sure that everyone is safe and all goes smoothly on this wonderful night.”