A VETERAN long-distance charity walker will head through the Keighley district when he tackles his latest gruelling challenge.

Steve Dayman, founder of the UK meningitis movement, is taking on a 344-mile route in the autumn.

And he is urging people to give their support as he walks through Silsden, Steeton, Cross Hills and Cowling.

Mr Dayman is staging the 17-day venture to mark the 30th anniversary of Meningitis Now.

He hopes the trek, from Morpeth in Northumberland to Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, will raise £50,000 for the charity.

That would take the 68-year-old's fundraising total for the past three decades to £2 million.

"I've been involved with the meningitis movement since losing my 14-month-old son Spencer in 1982 to meningococcal meningitis," said Mr Dayman.

"There were no organisations to represent the disease then, so I've dedicated my life to help create a better understanding of the condition.

"It would be lovely if any schools that I pass during the walk would come out and give me a bit of encouragement and cheer me on. I'll be happy to return another time to give an assembly."

His walk – the 33rd he has tackled – begins on October 8 and he will pass through this area on October 14.

Visit meningitisnow.org for more details and to donate.