The night walk on Saturday, which was nine miles long, saw more than 300 people come together to remember loved ones who died at the Oxford hospice.

This year's route took in Jericho, St Michael's Church, Oxford Castle and went through some of the oldest parts of the city before finishing back at St Edward's School after 1am.

Event organiser Kevin Game, a member of the Headington hospice's fundraising team, said: "We had absolutely perfect weather. I was comfortable in a T-shirt at 1am, though I know a few others got a little chilly towards the end."

The theme of the walk was memories, and people were encouraged to either walk in tribute to a lost loved one or simply share a treasured memory by chatting to fellow walkers or even recreate the memory in fancy-dress.

Julie Laitt, from Bicester, teamed up with three of her friends to remember mum Pam Cudd, who died at Sobell House in December aged 85.

She said: "When I heard the theme was memories I thought it would be perfect to do something to honour my mum. One of my friends came up with the idea 'Shine for Pam' so we covered ourselves in glitter and grass skirts to be as colourful as she was."

The 52-year-old added it was especially important to her to do something for the Oxford hospice where her mother spent her final days.

She explained: "Sobell House were incredible when mum was there, they were so kind and helped the whole family."

Mr Game said he was pleased with how well the theme was embraced by fundraisers, adding: "We wanted people to celebrate the memories of the people they had lost at Sobell and also make some new memories associated with the hospice.

"This was my 11th stroll so I have a whole bank of my own memories, it was really nice to think about them, as well as see people who have been coming on the walk for years."

He thanked all the fundraisers on behalf of Sobell House and said: "It grows every year and we are incredibly grateful."

All funds raised this year will go directly to the hospice's extension, which gained planning approval from Oxford City Council earlier this year.

The project was designed to meet increasing pressures amid an ageing population, and will include a new clinic and a dementia-friendly garden annex.