A local man is to walk 65 miles along the Great Wall of China.

Will Shaw, pictured right, will be part of a 100-strong team from across the nation which will make the trek in aid of the Children's Society. Will, 39, who works for courier firm DHL, says: "I saw the charity advertising the walk in a newspaper and the idea immediately appealed. It is a fantastic challenge to walk along the Wall, and a wonderful opportunity to visit China for relatively little cost."

The team will be led by actor Joe McGann, famous for his role in tv sitcom The Other Hand.

After arriving in the Chinese capital Beijing, they will drive more than 150 miles to the starting point at Chengde and, if all goes to plan, will finish up at Ba Da Ling seven days later.

To join the trek Will, from Oldfield, had to pay £250 to the charity to cover his basic travel and accommodation - and must raise more than £2,000 to be eligible for the expedition. So far he has raised more than £900 and is hopeful that local people and businesses will provide more valuable sponsorship.

The charity allows people on the walk to wear sponsors' T-shirts, and Will is keen to find a local business to sponsor him. The trek takes place in early November.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Will can contact him after 7pm on 643346.

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