HUNDREDS of people came together to walk through Petersfield town centre at the weekend in the name of peace and to raise money and strengthen community ties.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association (AMEA) teamed up East Hampshire District Council to deliver the annual Walk for Peace on Saturday.
The free event saw the walkers follow a circular 5km walk around Petersfield and the surrounding area, starting and finishing at Penns Place.
Last year the walk raised £10,000 for local good causes, and this year walkers were fundraising for 16 charities.
Walk spokesman Muhammad Luqman Choudhry said: “The aim of the walk is not only to raise thousands for local charities but also to strengthen community ties.
“The Ahmadiyya message is ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ and through events like this we can ensure we can bring communities together and break down barriers.
“I’m delighted with how the walk went on Saturday and it seems that the event is getting bigger with more people taking part every year.”
On finishing the walk each participant received a medal and a curry lunch, provided by the AMEA.
The charities benefitting include: Age Concern Petersfield and Cowplain, District Artscape Havant, Broadlands Group Riding for the Disabled Association Alton, Crossover Youth Centre Liss, Dementia Friendly Petersfield, FitzRoy Support Petersfield, Home-Start Butser Petersfield, Home-Start Hampshire, Kingsley Organisation, Liss Lunch Club, Rosemary Foundation Petersfield, and Treloar Trust Alton.