LORD Bathurst joined a 10-mile walk at Cirencester Park with youngsters, their parents, coaches and friends of Stratton Youth Football Club.

The sponsored Walk in the Park was held yesterday, Sunday, on a sunny morning.

Lord Bathurst, who had allowed the youth club to use the park, opened the the event with a brief history of the park and then completed the walk with players and coaches.

Around 120 walkers of all ages took part in the route which took them to the open countryside and woodland.

A number of volunteer marshalls were placed on the course to point people in the right direction.

All walkers were given a bottle of water, donated by Cirencester Aldi manager Mark Slater on behalf of the company, to keep them hydrated.

It is hoped that the event will raise £2000, which will be used to enhance the playing facilities at the Stratton Youth Football Club.

Club chairman and event organiser Cliff Thrussell said: "It was great to see so many people turning up this morning, and thank you to Earl Bathurst.

"This was a great community event and perfectly encapsulated what the club is about, people were smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves, and that’s exactly what sport should be."

The club has been operating for over 40 years in the town and will field nine teams in The North Wilts Youth and Minor League next season.

If anyone is interested in playing or assisting with the running of the club, please contact the club at www.stratton-youth-org.co.uk.