A FATHER has spoken of his pride in his son, who completed a 100-mile walking challenge.

Barrie Evason, the founder and fundraising co-ordinator of the Jennyruth Workshops, for people with learning disabilities, near Ripon, tackled the trek with his son, Jonathan, who has Down's syndrome, to keep the project open.

Their West Highland Challenge took them from the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William via some of Scotland's best-known beauty spots, including Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond, Glen Coe and Ben Nevis.

Jonathan, 43, was particularly keen to tackle the Devil's Staircase, which climbs out of Glen Coe, over a mountain into Kinlochleven.

Mr Evason senior, 68, said: "It has been wonderful for me to have such a rewarding companion and quality time with my son. He has been amazing and I am very proud of him."

The pair trained for several weeks before the challenge.

Jonathan has raised sponsorship of almost £3,000, with money still coming in.

On their return to the workshops, father and son were presented with a trophy, featuring a pair of walking boots, made by other workers.

The West Highland Challenge route is 96 miles, but they had to add a few miles when they were re-directed because of tree-felling.

They took 13 days to complete the walk, during which they saw eagles, herons and wild mountain goats.

Mr Evason Snr said: "Now I am retired, I can take out the time for a challenge like this and Jonathan had always wanted to do it. He is not a Scot, but he considers himself a Scot because he grew up in Scotland and went to school there."

Donations to the appeal can be sent to the workshops at Unit 5, Red House Farm, Bridge Hewick, near Ripon. Cheques should be payable to Jennyruth Workshops.

www.jennyruth.co.u