A BLIND church warden has not been deterred by the growing coronavirus pandemic from going on a sponsored journey to visit as many cathedrals in the country as they can using only public transport.

Robin Millerchip, 67, of St Helen’s Church, Kelloe, set off from Durham Station on Monday, accompanied by his guidedog Pickle – the only honorary church warden dog in the region.

The pair hope to visit up to 30 cathedrals in seven days. Mr Millerchip, of Coxhoe, said: “None of the cathedrals have indicated, so far, that they are going to be closed to visitors, so there shouldn’t be a problem there.

“And as a responsible dog owner washing you hands is something you automatically quite regularly. Taking the necessary precautions is a case of common sense.”

He added: "Obviously if it was a case of places were shut and there was a lockdown and there were travel restrictions, like some European countries, that would be the end of it.

"That hasn’t been suggested yet and in a country like ours which is fairly crowded I think it will be quite difficult to enforce.”

Proceeds go to Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Durham Visually Impaired Group.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Millerchip can email robin.millerchip@gmail.com.