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Pink race cars, ballerinas and angels are taking to the streets of Tauranga as thousands of people take part in the annual charity HOT Pink Walk.

Adorned in their array of pink outfits participants, on two legs or four, joined the annual walk from Masonic Park in a city loop to finish back at The Strand.

Z Service Station employees Daphne Northcott, Vicky Barnett and Tania Gabel. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

The HOT (House of Travel) Pink Walk, in its 12th year, is the main fundraising event for Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust with all donations going back into the community.

After some energetic Zumba, and a moment of reflection and the release of pigeons in memory of the people who have not survived breast cancer, the thousands of participants set off in a steady stream of pink costumes.

Breast Cancer Support Service Trust coordinator, Lea Lehndorf is blown away by the creativity and support the annual continues to generate.

'It's just amazing [the costumes]. Every year there is something new and exciting.

'I think I've seen it all and there something new appears. The creativity in this town is just great.”

Among the thousands getting in the pink spirit is Z Service Station employee Daphne Northcott and colleagues – creatively producing 12 individually styled pink race cars.

Spending about three days on the cardboard creations, Daphne says it is time well spent to get behind such a worthy cause.

'We like to get behind all sorts of charities so are always keen to get involved.”

Lea says organisers are still tallying up exact numbers but estimates more than last year's 3000.

The walk brings together breast cancer survivors and families of loved ones not so lucky.

Lea says for many the annual event can be a touching moment as they know someone who has passed away or survived breast cancer.

'There is a lot of survivors in this crowd. Also families of the people that have passed away this year since the last walk.

'It's really touching for some who are going through it [breast cancer] and the support is quite special.”

The NZ Institute of Professional Photography made a donation of $2938 before the walk started.

Jordan Micher, 10, and Mia Watkins, 11.

Trin Davy, 4, Hannah Pasquali, 14, and Jade Van Syp, 14.

Karenza Purton, Ivy White and Julie Cudd.