SAMARITANS are celebrating after more than 200 visitors arrived for the charity's national fundraising walk.

The dozens of attendees at the event organised by Colchester Samaritans for the second tine in six years chose between a 13-mile walk around Mersea or a mammoth 24-mile route which included a foot ferry to Brightlingsea.

Some walkers raised cash for their own local Samaritans branch, while others took part purely for pleasure.

Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford and his wife and mayoress Beverley supported the event.

Mr Oxford said: "Colchester Samaritans is one of my chosen charities for my mayoral year, and Bev and I were very pleased to be here to support the work volunteers do. It was a wonderful day.”

Walk organiser Rodney Dass added: “We wanted to repeat the success of our 2011 walk event, and we matched it in every respect.

"The mayor and mayoress were unstinting in their support, and our own volunteers were just brilliant.”

Branch director Carol Almond said the group were proud of their efforts.

She said: “Visiting walkers were delighted with Mersea Island and the friendly organisation and care provided.

"The Essex sun which shone all day was a huge bonus.

“The smooth running of every aspect of the day belied the hours of detailed planning and organisation underpinning a day that was enjoyed by all involved.

“I received so many positive comments about the location, the care for walkers, the food and the friendliness.

"Everyone at Colchester Samaritans is bursting with pride.”