FUNDRAISER Stephen Parker presented a cheque of £250 to Derriford Children's Cancer Service at the Plume of Feathers, Princetown, on Tuesday.

Stephen, who lives in Princetown, was awarded the cheque in December last year by Arriva Cross Country for his work in raising money for charities in the South West.

He won a Bronze Arriva Community Action Award after being selected for his fundraising walks to help children who suffer from cancer.

Stephen is the founder of the Dartmoor Challenge Group and organises an annual 30-mile and 20-mile walk across Dartmoor, which since its foundation in 1991 has raised almost £92,500.

Stephen, a traindriver for Arriva, said: 'I decided to set up the group 18 years ago as a one-off, after seeing disabled competitors taking part in charity walks across Dartmoor.

'After the first walk the group asked if we could do it again, and we've done it every year since.'

Regarding this year's charity walk, Stephen said he hoped a major milestone could be reached.

'We have raised £92,500 over the 18 years and this year we are really hoping to break the big £100,000.

'We are restricted to how many people can take part — usually I only allow four groups which have around 20 to 25 people in each.'

The walks take place over two days April 25 and 26, with the 30-mile group doing 15-miles each day and the 20-mile group doing 10 each day.

The Arriva Community Action Awards aims to recognise the valuable contribution its employees make outside their working life in their local communities through voluntary work for charities or non-profit making organisations.

Arriva Cross Country's managing director Andy Cooper presented Stephen with his award, which included a donation of £250 to Derriford Children's Cancer Service.

Mr Cooper said: 'The awards scheme recognises the contribution that people like Stephen make to their local community in their own time, outside of work.

'We have lots of employees that find the time and energy to support local initiatives and charities, so it is great to be able to officially recognise their efforts and provide the organisations they support with some practical, financial support.'

For more information on this year's walk call 07771826702.

l Pictured left to right are Adrian Bartlett of Arriva Cross Country, Keith Twitchett, Plume of Feathers landlord, Dartmoor challenge organiser Stephen Parker, Graham Parkinson of Derriford Children's Cancer Service and Cliff Palmer, former fire station officer at Princetown.

Picture by James Bird