Families, friends, dog-walkers and clubs took advantage of the sunshine and took part in one of Wellingborough's biggest annual events.

Friday's opening parade got the weekend off to a flying start, with live music and the Friendship Walk around the town.

On Saturday and Sunday, thousands of people took part in walks ranging from 5km to 42km, with visitors flying in from across the world to join in the traditional walking, cycling and swimming event.

Karl's Bavarian Oompah Band added to the atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday, while Wellingborough's Concert Band helped to round things off yesterday with its big band sounds.

Groups of youth sports clubs could be spotted making their way round the town, with at least one club carrying a St George's flag.

Gill Hilton, from Nene Close in Wellingborough, took part in the walk with her husband and two grandchildren and it was the first time her three-year-old granddaughter Jessica had joined them.

She said: "We have been taking part in the Waendel Walk for 11 years and this year we introduced our grandchildren to it.

"It's a nice community thing to do and I think we had the best weather for it this year."

Paul Wright, 21, from Raunds, took part in a nine-mile walk out to Little Harrowden with a group of friends.

He said: "I last took part in the Waendel Walk when I was about seven.

"This year, I went along with friends to enjoy the weather."

The weekend's activities included the first ever Waendel Swim at Waendel Leisure Centre.

The Waendel Walk was first held in 1979 when 490 walkers entered, compared with around 6,000 who took part this year.

Visitors from as far away as Japan and Australia are frequent participants in the international event.