A SOLDIER is planning to stage a sponsored walk from Sir Bobby Robson’s birthplace to the village where he grew up.

Warrant Officer Angela Kelly, 38, who is with the Adjutant General’s Corps based at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, grew up in Sacriston, County Durham, where the Newcastle and England manager was born.

The walk will cover the 2.9 miles from Sacriston to Langley Park, the village where Sir Bobby grew up and first played football, on Saturday March 27.

Proceeds from the event will be shared by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

WO Kelly said the walk would go from the new surgery at Sacriston, which Sir Bobby opened, to the Blue Star pub at Langley Park and that there would be a free buffet, raffle and transport back to Sacriston for participants. "It is not too far to walk so hopefully we’ll get quite a few people taking part as they are two very good charities.’’ Anybody interested in taking part in the walk can get more information by calling WO Kelly on 07837 021914.