MORE than 1,000 people set off in blazing sunshine on a walk around Southend to raise money for more than 200 different charities.

The ninth Southend Colourthon took place on Saturday afternoon, raising £137,000 in sponsorship for worthy causes.

Setting off from Chalkwell Park at 8pm, participants walked a half-marathon distance of 13.1 miles, with the final people to finish returning at about 1am.

Organiser Mat Osborne said: “It was a fantastic event. Everyone got back safely and we were very lucky with the weather."

See the Echo on Monday and Tuesday for more pictures from the event