The 'red sock walk' is just one example of the initiatives the care trust is involved in to encourage fitness and healthy eating in the workplace.

Those businesses who took part in the walk are also participating in the Northumberland Healthy People Healthy Business Award scheme which has been developed by the care trust and local employers to give recognition to organisations which promote health in the workplace.

Maureen Shepherd, healthy workplace specialist at the care trust said: "Everyone who participated in the walk at Longhirst Hall wore a red sock decorated with either their company logo or health promotion messages.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the businesses who took part and to everyone who helped us raise this money for Sport Relief."

The Northumberland Healthy People Healthy Business Award aims to support workplace health initiatives, motivate all levels of staff to develop a healthy workplace culture, reward the achievements of organisations which are health-focused and work in partnership to promote best practice in workplace health.

Businesses that participated in the fundraising walk include: Miller UK, Zodiac Automotive, Thermo Fisher Scientifics, SCA Hygiene, Egger UK, ASDA (Cramlington, Blyth and Ashington stores), Focus DIY (Cramlington), Hammerite, Stonham Learning Disability organization, Stonham Tyneside Foyer, North Country Leisure, Kyloe House, Wansbeck Community Voluntary Service, Job Centre Plus ,National Pension centre and future pensions departments of the DWP, CHOYSEZ, Contact and Blyth Valley Children's Centre, Northumbria Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, Wansbeck District Council, The Bell View Project and Tweed View Retirement Home.