WEST Mercia Police staff swapped their uniform for walking boots as they hiked 10 kilometres across the hills of Church Stretton in aid of Movember.

The group of 11 officers and other staff, some sporting impressive facial hair, plus a dog, battled the wet weather to climb the Long Mynd and raise money for the cause.

The group set off at 10am on November 24 and took around two hours to complete the hike, with representatives from both Telford and Shropshire's local policing areas.

Sergeant Richard Jones, who organised the event, said: "All that attended expressed how good it was to be out walking and talking, as looking after our mental wellbeing is very important given the job we do as officers and staff.

"This is the first event like this we have done for Movember, and following the positive feedback it will be something we do again in the future. Thank you to everyone who took part today."

The West Mercia Police men's health group has been fundraising throughout Movember with a range of activities and have raised close to £6,000.

Movember shines a spotlight on men's health in the month of November, in partcular testicular cancer, prostate cancer and male suicide.