They gathered in their dozens on the steps outside The Shed on a surprisingly dry Saturday morning, ready to put their best foot forward for charity.

And sure enough, the man upstairs got one of the biggest cheers ahead of a charity walk which has raised more than £70,000 for good causes in less than a decade.

“Utmost thanks to God for postponing the rain,” was the comment made as the Elders Association of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association got the eighth Beacon of Peace walk underway.

Supporters of 23 charities and good causes donned their waterproofs and wellies for this year’s circular walk – the first with its new name – around Hogmoor Inclosure with two routes for fundraisers to choose from.

“Our new name reflects our expanded activities across the UK whose fundamental process is to bring people from all communities, backgrounds, faiths and beliefs together so that we can foster peace and togetherness,” said vice-chairman, Khalil Yousuf, minutes before Cllr Catherine Clark cut the ribbon.

Around 100 people took part in the trek organised by the charitable arm of the AMA with all proceeds going towards participating charities and projects supported by the organisers.

Gregory Stafford MP, who thanked organisers along with his East Hampshire counterpart, Damian Hinds, encouraged the crowd to cheer the name of each participating organisation before the walk in the woods.

He said: “It’s an absolute honour that the Ahmadiyya community is based in my Farnham & Bordon constituency and the work you do nationally, internationally and locally in FAB is so important and well received.”

Mr Hinds also thanked EHDC, Whitehill Town Council, Deadwater Valley Trust and Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust for their help in hosting the well-marshalled event, which featured numerous rest stations, where participants could get free water and fruit for the journey ahead.