A North Yorkshire farmer is tackling a 120-mile charity walking challenge ahead of his 85th birthday.

George Fothergill, of Easby, Richmond, is walking about ten miles each week to raise money for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research, and McMillan Nurses.

His route, which he began on June 2, will take him from Spurn Point, at the mouth of the River Humber to South Gare, at the mouth of the River Tees. So far more than £2,000 has been donated.

Taking on long walks of more than 25 miles is not new to Mr Fothergill and his family. Since September 1967, he has done a variety of treks with his wife, Olive, as driver and team support; and family and friends, walking along with him. Previous walks include the Lyke Wake Walk (nine times), the Yorkshire Three Peaks (six times), the Nidderdale Way and the Six Dales Trail (both twice).

Altogether, Mr Fothergill's long walks add up to more than 2,000 miles.

“The support has been tremendous" he said. "It is something that has captured people’s interest and I am determined to get to South Gare on Yorkshire Day where we might have a little celebration.

"Some of the paths have been quite tricky on beaches and up eroding cliff sides but it’s a new challenge, and breaking up the sections means it is achievable in my 80s."

To sponsorship his efforts, see www.justgiving.com/team/georgefothergill?