A FILM-MAKER and environmental campaigner has tackled an arduous challenge with his trusty side-kick joining him on every step of the way.

Craig Hornby and his border collie, Meg, completed the 180-mile Coast to Coast walk to raise vital funds for the Zoe's Place children's hospice in Middlesbrough.

The 50-year-old documentary maker spent 15 days trekking from St Bees in Cumbria to Saltburn close to his east Cleveland home.

His challenge was made all the more impressive as he wild-camped every night – on hilltops, in people's gardens and outside pubs – as he conquered the famous Wainwright route across the Lake District, Pennines and Yorkshire Dales before picking up the Cleveland Way near Swainby.

Mr Hornby said: "Rather than finishing at Robin Hood's Bay, I wanted to give it a unique Cleveland ending and go via Eston Nab as a salute to the hospice below."

Throughout the journey, Mr Hornby and Meg endured some horrendous weather but also enjoyed stunning scenery and met plenty of interesting people along the journey.

With the inclement weather causing some problems, Mr Hornby converted one of his old sleeping bags into a perfect bed for Meg.

The Coast to Coast trek took the walkers over mountain tops, across fells and through stunning valleys as they made their way from West to East.

And the pair were helped on that last leg of their journey by the Zoe's Place bear who met them at the foot of Roseberry Topping with a bag of flapjacks and dog treats.

Mr Hornby said: "I turned 50 this year and wanted to do something physically challenging before I was too long in the tooth. But it was doing it for charity that gave it real meaning. It was hard going especially in the Lakes.

"The weather was horrendous and I was lugging an 18kg pack as I camped it all the way. It was exhausting but a stroll in the park compared to what the kids at Zoe's Place have to contend with. I'd like to thank everyone who donated and inspired me to keep going to the end. It was great to dip our feet in the sea and raise a jar at The Ship."

Zoe's Place is an independent charity providing palliative, respite and end of life care to babies and infants aged from birth to five years suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Elaine Dunning, fundraising co-ordinator at the charity,welcomed the impressive efforts of Mr Hornby in raising thousands of pounds on his own

She said "For one person to raise over £5,000 is amazing especially in this current climate. A big thank you to Craig and everyone who supported him. This money will go a long way to supporting our babies and children at Zoe's Place".

To make a donation or check his journey visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-and-meg-c2c