SIR Ian Botham is taking on another charity trek on the 25th anniversary of his famous John O'Groats to Lands End walk.

Starting today, the former Durham all-rounder will be walking through ten towns in ten days for the charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Botham, who lives in Ravensworth near Richmond, North Yorkshire, is president of the charity, which is also marking its 50th Anniversary, and has raised £12 million for the good cause over the years.

After starting the walk in Manchester today, the former England captain will visit Birmingham, Worcester, Bristol, Winchester, Epsom, Reading, Milton Keynes and Chelmsford before finishing his trek in London on April 19.

Sir Ian, nicknamed Beefy, told Sky News that at the age of 54 he was "starting to creak".

But he added: "It's worth it.

"It's great fun, and when the weather's like this it's easy.

"When we can go out on the roads people stop and they think leukaemia - that's what this is about, leukaemia research, and we are winning the battle.

"I think that's why the public have got behind it because the results are there for everyone to see."

Also on the walk today was Ross Lindley, the nine-year-old Leukaemia sufferer who famously sat on Beefy's shoulders as the first walk ended at Land's End.

Now aged 33 and fully recovered, finance worker Ross, from Lydney, Gloucestershire, said: "I remember I started getting tired so (Sir Ian) carried me on his shoulders.

"He will have to start going to the gym if he wants to do that this time."

For information about the walk visit www.beefy25.com