Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo and Castle

Hundreds of young 'superheroes' put their best feet forward as the annual Big Toddle got under way at Dudley Zoo and Castle.

Dressed in colourful costumes, more than 400 children strolled around the attraction's grounds in Castle Hill for the first of four walks.

Families and nursery groups from across the Black Country and Staffordshire were stepping out on the sponsored walk to raise cash for children's charity Barnardo's.

Organiser Pauline Clark, who is the Barnardo's Midland fundraiser, said yesterday's event had gone well with many of the walkers in fancy dress.

"Everybody had a great time. We had lots of super heroes such as Spiderman, Superman and the Incredibles. The weather held out which was good. It's always a fun event," she added.

A second walk was taking place today with more than 500 children expected to take part.

A third event will take place tomorrow and the final walk will be on June 21. Last year's event at the zoo, which had an animal theme, raised £14,600 for the charity.

Across the country 300,000 children took part in the walks.

The money helps Barnardo's run 75 community based services in the Midlands supporting 26,000 children, young people and their families affected by poverty, abuse, disability and serious illness.

For further details about the Big Toddle events log on to www.bigtoddle.co.uk call 0845 270 9900 or send an email to organisers at pauline.clark @barnardos.org.uk