The chair of Tranent Wombles picked up litter along the way as he took part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise money for the group.

Henry Mathias joined fellow Womble Russell McLarty for the 15-mile walk on September 17, which helped raise more than £800 for the Wombles.

The group, set up to keep Tranent tidy, plans to use the funds for more litter-picking equipment, bins and to help maintain the group’s parklet on Lindores Drive.

Mr Mathias told the Courier: “It was a great walk. It was ‘Goldilocks’ temperature – not too hot, not too cold, which was perfect.

“We were actually litter picking along the way because there was plenty to pick! People seemed really grateful that we were not only taking part but also doing the litter picking,too!”

Mr Mathias posed for photos in a full Wombles outfit, which he said was too warm to keep on for the full walk.

He said: “I started with it on but I quickly realised it was far too hot to walk with it. So it came off early on. But people really appreciated the costume. I am so grateful to everyone who donated; I am just so shocked at how much we’ve raised.

“It will go a long way to helping the Wombles, so we are so thankful.”

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk said: “Thank you to all Edinburgh Kiltwalkers who joined us on September 17 in support of your chosen charity; 710 Scottish charities will be supported by our Edinburgh heroes this year – it’s phenomenal.”