A SWATHE of pink snaked its way round a country park yesterday as North-East volunteers stepped forward to boost research into breast cancer.

More than 200 walkers took part in the region's Stride for Life event, one of scores of similar events staged round the country by Cancer Research UK as part of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities.

Breast cancer survivors from across the region, supported by family and friends, donned pink clothing for the 10km (6.6 mile) trek round the Tyne Riverside Country Park, at Newburn, near Newcastle.

Some set a brisk pace round the circular route, while others made it more of a steady stroll in the autumn sunshine.

The first finishers completed the course in about an hour and 50 minutes, while others returned to the country park visitor centre in three hours.

The big winner on the day was the cancer charity, expected to get more than £10,000 when sponsorship is collected.

Among the finishers was 43-year-old mother-of-two Kim Rodgers, from Cramlington, Northumberland, who overcame breast cancer last year.

Her husband, Jim, who also took part, persuaded his bosses at npower to double the amount she raised in sponsorship.

Julia Haran, of Cancer Research UK, said Kim's efforts should guarantee at least £1,000 towards the £10,000 target.