NINE hospices around the county have each been presented with cheques for £6,500.

The money was raised by the 3,300 walkers who took part in the 10th annual Kent Charity Walk organised and sponsored by brewers Shepherd Neame and the Kent Messenger Group.

Presenting the cheques at the KM Group's headquarters in Larkfield, Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “Once again Kent’s walkers have shown their dedication to a wonderful cause and we’re delighted with this year’s fund-raising efforts.

“We’re already making preparations for the 2006 walk and will announce full details soon.”

This year’s event took place on the North Downs near Challock. It is now one of the most popular charity events in the county and has raised £484,500 for local causes.

Jane Newman, from the Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We all want to say a big thank you to the Kent Messenger Group. The publicity they give us is invaluable in helping us to build our profile and help us raise the funds we need.”

The hospices who received a cheque are: Demelza House Children’s Hospice, Sittingbourne; Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford; Lions Hospice, Northfleet; Pilgrims Hospices in Canterbury, Ashford and Margate; Ellenor Foundation, Dartford; Hospice in the Weald, Pembury; and Rochester’s Wisdom Hospice.

St Christopher’s Hospice in Bromley will be included next year. Details of next year’s walk will be announced soon.