THERE was jubilation at the finish line as more than 8,000 people enjoyed a sunny Walk the Wight.

From Bembridge to Alum Bay, walkers could be seen on trails right across the Island, taking part in Mountbatten's flagship annual event.

People had touching reasons for walking for the charity, and others simply enjoyed the challenge and the scenery.

The County Press was at the finish line earlier today and spoke to some of the participants.

Among the youngest to walk the entire 26 miles were Henley Savagar, nine, and his sister Esmae, seven, who walked in honour of their great grandmother Nanny Norah, who died in December.

Their mum Amie said: "They did amazing. We stopped twice to change socks and have an ice cream. They stayed focused and positive, and were even doing cartwheels when we reached the monument.

"All the marshals were brilliant and cheered them on. I’m so immensely proud of them."

Adam Anstey, 54, of Newport, walked with his friend Malc Sheath, as the pair have done for about 20 years now.

Adam said: "It was the hardest one I've ever done, because I'm getting older, but I'm still up for next year. How could I not, my mum was at the hospice and they were brilliant."

Martin Pritchard, 69, of Newport, said the walk takes him a bit longer each year, but he completed it in a very respectable eight hours 45 mins. It was his 11th Walk the Wight.

He said: "There is always a brilliant atmosphere so I had a good time."

Ten soldiers from the 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron walked the full route with their custom burgan bags on their backs. They heard about the walk from Cpl Dave Page, who is from the Island. The group were on a military history and culture visit to the IW.

They walked at, for them, a leisurely pace, getting to the finish line in exactly nine hours.

Isabella Partington, 13, walked the second half with dad Yasin and dog Archie.

She said: "It was good fun and just showed how many people really care about the charity and are supportive of it."

Mountbatten chief executive Nigel Hartley walked the eight-mile flat walk this year, which made a change as he usually walks the entire 26 miles.

He then travelled to the Alum Bay finish line to cheer on the walkers and volunteers who were dishing out medals.

He said: "It is always amazing to see all the people, doing the walk for all the right reasons, it is a really overwhelming day. We had amazing weather.

"Thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting us."