A SPONSORED toddle round the grounds of Upton's Hill Centre has raised hundreds of pounds for two pre-school groups and the children's charity Barnado's.

Around 30 pre-school children from Hillbillies and Baby and Co, both of which are based at the Hill Centre, completed the half-mile course in about 15 minutes on Tuesday.

"It went really well," said Hillbillies play leader Jill Cooling.

"We would like to thank all the parents and children who joined in. Quite a few of them toddled unaided."

Three-quarters of the money raised, which has not yet been added up, will go to Barnado's, with the remainder being split between the two pre-school groups.

Children from Hillbillies will also be taking part in the jazz festival parade in Upton next Saturday (June 29), carrying decorated umbrellas.