MORE than 200 Swindon women will walk through central London in the dead of night this weekend wearing only their bras.

A group will form the largest contingent from outside London on this year's Moonwalk in aid of the breast cancer charity Breakthrough.

In total some 10,000 are taking part in an event which is far more than a mere moonlit stroll.

It's a 26-mile power walk which is expected to raise more than £2m for the charity.

Participants set off from Battersea Park at 11pm on Saturday night.

Walkers wear only track-suit bottoms, hats and gloves and decorated bras.

At the speed they plan to be walking, completing the course in around six hours, should not be a problem.

Ella Hutchison, 39, from Upper Sratton, is part of a nine-strong group of friends taking part in the walk who are hoping to raise more than £2,000 between them.

She said: "It's the first time I've taken part but I know a few people who did it last year. They said there's a really good atmosphere."

Ella, who is a nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital, said she was inspired to take part in the walk partly because of her experience of dealing with breast cancer patients.

She said: "More and more people are getting this disease and they seem to be getting younger. I think there's more that can be done, especially in terms of research for a cure."

This is the third year that a large group from Swindon will be taking part in the walk, which is sponsored by bra-maker Playtex. The team, called Twin Peaks, plans to set off early Saturday evening in four coaches meeting at The Link Centre, West Swindon.

The group will include 10 men who also have to don bras as part of the cause.

Last year Swindon walkers raised some £50,000.

Eunice Salmon, who organises the Swindon contingent, said: "I got involved because I think there but for the grace of God go I.

"I've had problems but I've been lucky. One of my friends died from breast cancer at the age of 34 leaving a two-year-old and a four-year-old. I really do it for them."