More than 2,000 walkers explored Cambridge’s colleges and the Cambridge University Library on Sunday (September 15) at the Bridge the Gap Charity Walk.

In total, 2,100 people took part in the event, which is sponsored by The Cambridge Building Society and supported by the Cambridge Independent.

The family-friendly walk directed participants through the grounds of Christ’s College, Cambridge University Library, Queens’ College, Corpus Christi College, Pembroke College and Downing College – areas not usually accessible by the public.

The Bridge the Gap committee said this year’s event has already raised more than £35,000.

The money will be evenly split between Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill.

Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Gerri Bird, who cut the ribbon to start the walk, said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better day.

"It was lovely to say good morning to everyone as they set off. The sun was shining and everyone seemed to be happy.

“This is an important event and it gets the community together. There were a lot of kids taking part too – it’s good to get young people involved with what goes on in the city.”

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Anne Scott from Sawston who took part with her sister, said: “We’ve done it for 17 years, but there are things we haven’t noticed before, it’s still fresh.

“I tell you what is fantastic – and you don’t go in there very often – is the library and we went over the Mathematical Bridge.

"You live near Cambridge and you take these things for granted. You see so much.”

Carole Charter, head of marketing for The Cambridge, added: “We’re delighted to have played an active part in raising an incredible amount of money for two important charities.”