Schoolchildren braved soaring temperatures to raise money on a charity fun walk around Gloucester Park.

Around 20 youngsters from Ghyllgrove Junior School, Basildon, donned fancy dress costumes and took part in the Barnardos Foresters Big Toddle.

The half-mile annual event took the children, who have raised at least £150 in sponsorship so far, around the lake in the park. All cash raised goes towards helping underprivileged children be taken on day trips and 25p out of every pound will go to local groups.

Organiser Emma Hadden, whose daughter Chai, 4, took part, said: "It was a lovely day and the children looked beautiful in their costumes. Some of the adults dressed up as well.

"The circuit is a long way for such young children and it was hot, but they toddled on. We are still collecting money and hope to raise more."