Thousands turn out for Alzheimer's charity walk

The charity behind the event said it was "blown away" by the number of participants

More than 4,500 people have taken part in a charity event raising funds for the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

The memory walk saw participants gather at Bents Park in South Shields on Saturday and travel 7km (4.3miles) along a coastal route.

The Alzheimer's Society said it was the biggest event of its kind it had staged in the north-east of England.

Organisers said the number of participants almost doubled that of last year's event.

About 35,000 people in the region have dementia, according to the charity.

The picturesque route took walkers along the South Tyneside coast

Organisers said the number of participants was almost double that of last year's event

The walk raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer's Society

Many participants were taking part in tribute to family and friends diagnosed with the disease

Walkers of all ages signed up for the fundraiser