Hundreds of people took part in the Friendship Walk, which started from The Castle theatre Wellingborough in blazing sunshine.

The festivities started at 5pm on Friday with an opening ceremony and performance by a jazz band.

Wil Weijsters, who flew in from Holland and lead a group of 46 Dutch walkers, said: "This is my seventh Waendel Walk and I come here because it is a nice environment and there are nice, friendly people here. We do lots of walks around the world but this is the one people want to do. I like it very much."

Event organiser Sue Bull said: "It was a fabulous start and wonderful to see Wellingborough in sunshine."

Last night's event gave people a gentle warm up before some of the longer events over the weekend.

To see how to take part in a walk this weekend, go to the bottom of the page.

Read reporter Mark Lea's account of his first ever Waendel Walk by clicking here

The six-mile Friendship Walk took people through the town centre, Croyland Gardens, Spring Gardens and Swanspool Gardens.

It was led by a marching band, with a Royal Marine cadets section from Wellingborough School carrying flags representing the different nations taking part.

Click here for the Waendel Walk website

See a slideshow of photographs from the walk by clicking here
How to take part:

There's still time to put on your walking boots and take part in Wellingborough's big weekend.

There is a choice of routes on Saturday and Sunday.

Those who go on foot can choose from an array of distances, including 5km, 10km, 15km, 25km and 42km.

Cyclists have to choose between 25km and 42km. All routes are suitable for people with special needs.

Anyone wishing to enter on the day can register at late entries desk at The Castle theatre before the event.