A FOOTBALL club director kicked off his charity challenge to walk between all 18 English Premier League grounds here in the North-East today (Sunday, April 27).

Cambridge United director of football Jez George hopes to cover 676 miles, walking a marathon a day for 26 days, and raise at least £200,000 for his club’s Community Trust.

The 44-year-old started his challenge at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, where he was waved off by Magpies legend Peter Beardsley, before visiting Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, where he was greeted by ex-Black Cats captain Kevin Ball.

Mr George said: “We’re very grateful for the support shown by Newcastle and Sunderland football clubs and it’s been a great source of inspiration for me to hear how everyone here is able to utilise the special draw of football to do such tremendous work in their local community.”

The challenge is due to end at Norwich City’s Carrow Road on Friday, May 23.

Follow Mr George’s progress at cambridge-united.co.uk, facebook.com/mission676 and on Twitter using #mission676 Sponsor him at justgiving.com/cuyct or text CUFC26 £10 to 70070.