A CHARITY walker was joined by his family and friends as he hiked through North Yorkshire during his solo trek from Land's End to John O'Groats.

David Penn, 43, of Dacre Banks, Nidderdale, is aiming to raise £10,000 by completing the 1,142-mile trip.

As he walked through his home county, Mr Penn was joined by his wife, Katie, and children, Alex, 11, and Hannah, eight. Forty of the children's schoolfriends, and parents from year four at Ashville College, Harrogate, also accompanied Mr Penn from Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Malham.

He left Land's End on May 3 and aims to arrive at John O'Groats on July 10.

Mr Penn, who works for Barclays Bank, has already raised about £8,000 for two charities, Open Arms for Malawi and the Children's Society. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/davidpennmalawi or www.justgiving.com/davidpennchildren