A POTATO supplier is now halfway through a challenge to virtually travel around the world in 80 days.

Branston, a supplier with its South West site in Ilminster, is completing the task to raise money for its charity of the year – Children’s Hospice South West.

More than 100 employees are taking part across Branston’s three sites to travel 24, 901 miles, by walking, running and cycling.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston, said: “We’re really proud of all the team for getting involved and helping us to achieve our goal for our chosen charity.

“We’ve had staff from all our sites walking, running and cycling. Some are fitting it in to their lunchbreaks or after work, while some are making the most of some very active weekends and holidays.”

Chard & Ilminster News: Branston is more than halfway through its challenge to virtually travel around the world in 80 daysBranston is more than halfway through its challenge to virtually travel around the world in 80 days

To complete the challenge, the team will need to cover more than 300 miles a day.

They are now 56 miles ahead of the projected target and have virtually reached the Pacific Ocean, just above the islands of Tonga.

“We’ve been really lucky with the weather so far and we anticipate it will become more of a challenge as the winter months approach,” added Mr Truscott.

“However, our employees are really pushing themselves to go out and exercise, and we all look forward to reaching the virtual finish line.”

The challenge started on August 8 and will finish on October 26.

If you’d like to donate to Children’s Hospice South West visit justgiving.com/fundraising/branston-around-the-world-in-80-days-south-west