PRINCETOWN-BASED Stephen Parker, founder of the Dartmoor Challenge Group, has passed the £100,000 mark with his 19-year long charity work.

The Dartmoor Challenge Group annually organises a 30-mile charity hike over the 368 sq mile Dartmoor area — the largest and wildest area of open country in the south of England.

Stephen, 53, formed the group in 1991 to raise money to help children who suffer from cancer and has steadily built up to the £100,000 mark since then.

Train driver Stephen said: 'It's fantastic that we've managed to reach the £100,000 landmark. So much work and commitment has come from so many people over the past 19 years and I'm proud to be part of it.

'The £100,000 has been split between various South West-based charities over the years and we've been lucky to see the benefits that money has brought cancer sufferers whilst also seeing investment into facilities.'

The charities Stephen's group has supported since 1991 are: CLIC Sargent, a national cancer charity that cares for children and young people; Derriford Children's Cancer Service; St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth; and MacMillan Cancer Support.