A charity walker embarking on a 1,853-mile route from Leeds to John O'Groats, down to Land's End and back to Leeds will pass through West?Devon on his mammoth journey later this year.

Derek Brown is taking on the 'Ultimate' challenge from Monday, July 1, to raise money for four charities — Get Kids Going, Variety, Children with Cancer UK and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The route will take him through Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Taunton and Tiverton before arriving at Okehampton on July 29.

Derek is hearing-impaired, has fused toes and a slight curvature of the spine, but is determined to carry out the task ahead of him. Throughout August 2006 he walked from Blackpool to Leeds via Bristol and London, and in 2008 he walked from Leeds to Edinburgh and back, via Ayr.

Last year he completed a 726.9-mile walk from Leeds to Plymouth and back again. For his 2013 challenge he has already raised £11,200, and since December 1998, Derek has raised over £580,000 for charity.

To sponsor Derek and for more information about his quest, visit http://www.derekschallenges.org.uk">www.derekschallenges.org.uk