Children using walking frames and in wheelchairs were joined by teachers, carers, parents and a dog when they set off on a sponsored walk for the Meningitis Trust.

We're off - Danny Smyth leads other walkers along Western Esplanade Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The group, from Kingsdown school for children in Southend, walked the mile-and-a-half from Adventure Island to Chalkwell.

There to get them started was Brian Jiggens, founder and chairman of the Trust's Essex support group. Brian, who was also at the finish, said the money raised will help boost the £355,000 which the support group had raised since it was founded 12 years ago.

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo