A UNIVERSITY student has defied torrential rain and painful blisters to carry on with a 500-mile peace walk.

Ben Macpherson is trekking from his home city of Edinburgh to London to promote world peace.

The 20-year-old, who is studying politics and philosophy at York University, is aiming to reach his destination by September 21.

The day marks the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which has been declared a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Mr Macpherson is carrying a white flag, symbolizing peace, throughout his journey. He stopped in York to explain the reasons behind his trek.

He said: "I am not religious and I do not follow any particular political affiliation. I am not doing this walk to raise money, and I am not encouraging people to walk with me for safety and legal issues, and because that gives the idea of a march or protest.

"I had a few blisters to start with and it has been hard, especially with all the rain. But it is exciting and I am learning a lot as well, thinking about ideas and realising we can do anything if we want to."