SCORES of hardy souls braved the elements to take part in the Great Pier Walk.

Rain jackets and wind breakers were the order of the day as participants made the 1.33mile walk to the end of Southend Pier, all in aid of Southend Hospital’s keyhole cancer appeal.

Town mayor, councillor Chris Walker, was on hand to cut the ribbon and start the event, organised by the Leigh Rotary Club for the 13th year.

Participants were invited to walk the length of the pier, and back again, as many times as they wished between 10am and 4pm, with the aim of helping the hospital reach their £600,000 target for a new surgery suite.