FOUR supporters of the National Missing Persons Helpline met the mayor of Darlington yesterday as they set off on the next leg of their 650-mile charity walk.

Councillor Ron Lewis met four supporters of the charity as they prepared to continue their walk to Kensington Palace, after spending a night in Darlington.

The team set off from Edinburgh on Thursday, May 15, and hope to get to London on Tuesday, July 1.

As well as raising money, they hope the walk will heighten awareness of the Missing Persons Helpline, which supports families of people who have disappeared, while also offering missing people a chance to get back in touch with loved ones.

Among the walkers is Derek Burns, from West Lothian, whose son, also Derek, went missing 14 years ago during a visit to London. He has not been seen since.

The team's next stop is Northallerton, North Yorkshire.