A CONSULTANT orthopaedic surgeon left the operating theatre for the great outdoors yesterday as he set out on a four-day journey around the dales. Fuel will be no problem - he's using the original brand of horse power.

Mr David Miller, who works for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS trust, is covering the near 100-mile journey from Richmond up the Swale valley to Nateby, on to Wensleydale and Leyburn and back, in a carriage drawn by Aimi, a four-year-old Clydesdale.

He is accompanied by Dr Gordon Harris, a consultant anaesthetist, and horse experts Mr and Mrs George Sanderson.

Aimi is in the early stages of pregnancy, but is very fit and capable of carrying out her duties without any problems.

Mr Miller and his companions hope to raise £5,000 to refurbish the day room of the joint replacement ward at North Tees General hospital, and a further £7,000 to provide up-to-date equipment for the joint replacement theatre at Hartlepool General hospital.

Mr Miller said: "We did a one-mile walk three years ago with all my patients, and last year some friends did a coast-to-coast pony and cart ride. This year we decided to go round the dales using a Clydesdale.

"It's great fun to be out in the countryside and I'm looking forward to four days in the country and perhaps a few drinks in some local hostelries at night along the way.