KEIGHLEY'S town mayor is putting his best foot forward to raise money for his chosen charities.

Councillor Luke Maunsell is tackling a 128-mile walking challenge, along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.

He will set off from Liverpool on Tuesday, August 30, with the aim of finishing in Leeds on September 4.

All proceeds will go to the charity appeal he launched when he became mayor in May – which is raising funds for Dementia Friendly Keighley and the locally-based mental health organisation, It's Worth Talking About.

"I am excited to be starting my fundraising efforts with such a massive task," says Cllr Maunsell.

"It is by far the biggest physical challenge I have ever undertaken.

"But I am raising funds for two brilliant local causes."

He is urging people to get behind the challenge, and a facility has been set up to donate at keighley.gov.uk/leeds-liverpool-canal-challenge.

"The sponsored walk will push me to my limit over the six days and I need as much backing as possible!" he said.

"I am doing this solely for my charities, Dementia Friendly Keighley and It's Worth Talking About, which do such an important job in our town in supporting those who need them.

"If you feel able to donate, please do so via the website link or get in touch to make a physical donation.

"Together we can do great things for these two amazing, local charities."

Cllr Maunsell's target mileage will be around 21 miles a day.

He is hoping to be accompanied by fellow walkers for sections of the route, and his accommodation will be either camping or B&Bs.

"For the last couple of years I have been walking around ten to 15 miles a day as part of a health kick," says Cllr Maunsell.

"This has put me in good stead for the challenge and I'm determined to push myself further.

"A few people have offered to do parts of the walk with me, to provide support and encouragement.

"I don't as such have a set fundraising target – my aim is simply to raise as much as possible – but given the scale of the challenge I would like to think that £3,000 may be possible."

For more about It's Worth Talking About, a volunteer-led peer support service with groups across the district, visit itsworthtalkingabout.org.

Further information about Dementia Friendly Keighley and its services can be found at dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk.