A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer who took his dogs for a 40-mile fundraising walk has raised £3,275 for his church.

Ian Kirkbride, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, was sponsored by fellow villagers and local businesses, friends and family, for his effort.

The 55-year-old spent four days walking from the village to Newcastle Cathedral last month, through Sedgefield, Coxhoe, along the Weardale Way to Durham, Great Lumley and Chester-le-Street, then past the Angel of the North and into Newcastle.

His cross-breed dogs Poppy and Bess, accompanied him for part of the walk.

He said: "It was lovely walking because I know the drive up there well, but you see so many different things when you walk."

All funds were donated to St Lawrence's Church in the village