AN MP has praised more than 1,000 people who took part in a charity walk in Billericay.

Generous-spirited fundraisers defied the recession for the annual fun walk, which took place at Barleylands Farm, in Barleylands Road, last weekend.

Billericay Tory MP John Baron, who headed the committee organising the event, heralded the day a huge success, smashing all previous records.

This year, members of 80 charities and good causes took part in the walk, compared with 59 last year.

Businesses offered more than double the corporate sponsorship given in 2008, pledging £18,000.

Mr Baron said: “The walk is going from strength to strength – this year’s was a brilliant success. Everybody enjoyed themselves, and raised an awful lot of money for people less fortunate than themselves. Many animal groups have also benefited.

“I think we’re lucky we have some big-hearted groups and companies willing to put their hands in their pockets to help these good causes, especially when the economic climate is pretty dour.”

The event has come a long way since it first kicked off in 2002, when it helped raise £6,000 for six charities.

Now in its seventh year, the fun walk has raised a grand total of £170,000, with last year’s funds coming in at an impressive £33,000.

On the day, walkers had a choice of two routes – a three-mile circular trek around Crays Hill, or a shorter walk within the grounds of the farm.

The total amount raised this year will be announced on July 17, at a presentation ceremony being held in the meeting rooms behind the Rising Sun pub, in Billericay High Street.

The participating charities will then pick up their cheques.

This year’s corporate sponsors were Veolia Environmental Services, A&B Taxis, GKM Aerospace, South West Essex PCT, Stock Brook Manor, Obsidian Communications, Mr Barrie Stone, and Toomey Motors.