Almost 600 walkers were guided across the dangerous sands of Morecambe Bay on Sunday to raise money for four life-changing charities.

In total, 576 walkers were sponsored to take on the six-mile route in order to raise funds for their chosen causes.

The four charities were Environmental conservationists Morecambe Bay Partnership, mental health charity Lancashire Mind, St John's Hospice which cares for patients with life-shortening illnesses and Parkinson's UK which was fundraising for research into the disease.

The walk began at the second slipway on Arnside Promenade leading along the headland of Arnside. Once the walkers reached the sand, it was time for them to take off their shoes with participants forbidden to take shortcuts for their own safety. 

A spokesperson for Guides Over Sands Trust said: "The Cross Bay Walk across Morecambe Bay is the most dangerous of its kind in the UK, so our trusted King's Guide of seven years Michael Wilson guided the charities across from Arnside to Grange.

"The walk dates back to the era of Henry VIII and the original route was from Hest bank to Kents bank. Due to the soft sand at Hest Bank, the route is now Arnside to Grange.

"Depending on the safest route the length can vary however the walk on Sunday was roughly around six miles. The forecast wasn't good but luckily it managed to stay dry."

Of the 576 walkers, there were around 30 that were walking on behalf of Parkinsons UK. Around 150 walkers also turned out to raise funds for mental health charity, Lancashire Mind, who managed to raise £2606.

A Lancashire Mind spokesman: "We would like to say a huge thank you to our amazing walkers. The funds they have raised so far could enable us to offer 43 hours of 121 wellbeing coaching for people facing barriers to good mental health.

"Wellbeing coaching can change lives as it gives individuals the chance to overcome those barriers with coping strategies they can use now and in the future." 

The Cross Bay Walks are a great way for charities to raise money for chosen causes. To find out more, visit the Guide Over Sands website.