NEARLY 160 people stepped out for charity to help support struggling parents across the Cotswolds.

Home Start Cotswolds is dedicated to helping mums and dads get the right help and support beffore they reach crisis point.

Last Wednesday supporters gathered at Cripps Barn near Barnsley to enjoy a 12km walk and lunch.

They included local resident and supporter Anne Robinson who set the walkers off.

Organiser Kate Hicks Beach said it had raised a staggering £4,000 for the charity.

"This is the third year we have done it and it was a bit longer this year to take in the bluebell woods as well," she said. "It was a really good day and brilliant for Home Start Cotswolds which is a small charity which survives on the goodwill of others.

"The great thing about Home Start is that you are preventing things going wrong, rather than reacting when it does.

"Volunteers visit families with children under five who are struggling to integrate once a week for a few hours. It can something as simple as taking them to the supermarket, or to a toddlers group.