RAIN-soaked Freemasons, their families and friends walked across the sands of Morecambe Bay to raise thousands of pounds to help children in hospices.

The organisers, Worshipful Brother Peter Caunce and wife Debi, said they were thrilled by the response to this year's walk, despite incessant rain - the ninth such annual trek they have arranged for Cumberland and Westmorland Freemasons.

The team followed the route from Arnside to Kents Bank under the watchful eye of Cedric Robinson MBE, ambassador to the Guide Over Sands Trust, and his team.

They raised several thousand pounds for Lifelites, a charity that provides specialist technology to help young hospice patients play and communicate.

Mr and Mrs Caunce thanked everyone for turning up in spite of the weather. They said spirits stayed high, and the walkers' great sense of achievement in reaching Kents Bank safely was enhanced by a hot cup of tea.