A RETIRED draughtsman steps out today on a 1,500-mile trek across Britain in aid of a cancer charity.

Bob Tucker, 59, of Consett, County Durham, is taking part in a coast-to-coast walk in Scotland before undertaking a solo hike the length of England.

Mr Tucker, who will be camping throughout his journey, carrying his tent on his back, said: "I will be 60 in June and wanted to do something to remember it by."

Mr Tucker and his wife, Janet, are taking part in the Annual Great Outdoor Challenge in Scotland, an event where participants plan their route, camp out and have to be self-sufficient for two weeks.

"I have done it a few times before and love it," Mr Tucker said.

"Some days you wake up and there are deer outside your tent, it is amazing."

The hike from England's south coast to its northern-most tip will be on similar lines, with Mr Tucker using walkers' trails such as the Pennine Way.

He worked at the British Steel works in Consett for 21 years until it closed down, then spent 18 years at the Rothmans cigarette factory in Spennymoor, County Durham.

He took early retirement when the plant closed in 2001.

He is expecting to take two-and-a-half months to complete both journeys.

He came up with the idea after a family friend, Lesley Swainson, 56, of Blackhill, Consett, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. The condition is incurable, but can be held in remission.

He is raising money for Cancer Research and is appealing for sponsors. Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact (01207) 506673.