INTREPID trekkers have returned home from China, having raised more than £86,000 for a Lancaster hospice.

A team of 31 St John's Hospice supporters have returned from a 10 day trip to the Great Wall of China.

Trekking for up to seven hours a day, the team visited mountain villages, stayed with local families and climbed the famous steps of Heaven's Ladder.

Sue McGraw, the CEO of St John's Hospice, led the group on the expedition and has expressed her pride at what the group has achieved.

"Throughout the trip I have seen our hospice values in action; care for each other, compassion for those that needed it, collaboration because it’s a tough walk and we’ve all needed help from time to time, charity in the form of almost £90,000 raised for our wonderful hospice and, finally, celebration," she said. "This walk has been a celebration of all that is good in people?their collective effort and commitment on behalf of the people who are the most vulnerable in our community. I’ve been proud to walk alongside them."