Soggy weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of participants who took part in the Dundee leg of the Kellogg’s Great Walk 2005 at Camperdown Park yesterday evening.

Officially opened by Lord Provost John Letford, the 10K event was the latest in the nationwide scheme aimed at raising awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle and helping to raise money for charity.

Mr Letford, who led an energetic warm-up before the walk began, is a keen walker and was accompanied by former Dundee East MP Ian Luke on the hike.

Organisers of the nationwide Great Walk selected local heroes to help promote individual events, and primary school teacher Dorothy Duncan led the Camperdown Park leg.

Ms Duncan, who lives in Downfield, was chosen from hundreds of nominations for her fund-raising for a number of charities.

She and other members of staff at Brackens Primary School decided to take part in the walk to raise funds for charity Tayside Children With Cancer And Leuk-aemia, as one of the pupils from the school’s nursery has leukaemia.

Ms Duncan also received the Great Walk baton from Karen Churches, who set out on the Great Walk on April 28 in John O’Groats

Ms Churches from London, has already walked 310 miles but has not been discouraged by the changeable Scottish weather.

“It’s been really mixed so far but I’m told it’s typical to have four seasons in one day here!”

A former manager of the Kennel Club, Ms Churches has become something of a professional charity walker.

“Over the last couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to walk with hundreds of men and women on various expeditions around the world.

“Each had their own reasons for walking with me but they were all united in wanting to make a difference and help others.

“Hopefully the people who are walking at Camperdown Park can do that for their local charities.”

Karen, who sets out for Monimail in Fife next, will trek all the way to London’s Hyde Park, taking in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Wales along the way and finishing on September 18.

It is expected over £1 million will be generated by the walk for hundreds of registered charities, schools and community projects.