WALKS and talks have helped intrepid Taunton man Andy Dickson raise a total of £10,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

After finding inspiration from a book, Andy, who moved to Hambridge from Falkirk in Scotland 35 years ago, decided to walk from Lands End to John O’Groats, with the help of his mother-in-law Edith’s sponsorship.

After his wife’s retirement and moving to Taunton, the 81-year-old’s hobby of walking turned into a series of fundraisers that have seen Andy and Della climb the Inca Trial to Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro.

News of his exploits soon filtered through clubs in the area and Andy has since given over 168 talks, raising thousands for the charity.

He is now set to move to Cirencester, where he hopes he can continue his talks and fundraising.

Andy said: “It has been enormous fun and the whole experience has been really enjoyable.”