KIRKBYMOORSIDE mayor Nigel Richardson is planning to walk more than 500 miles to get fit and raise money for charity.

Mr Richardson, who said he tipped the scales at 15st 13lb when he weighed himself on New Year's Day, is determined to get down to 14st or less before he starts his 17-day marathon from Kirkbymoorside to twin town Himmighausen, in Germany.

Ryedale Garages have agreed to sponsor his ferry trip from Hull to Rotterdam.

Mr Richardson is seeking sponsorship from businesses and residents for his walk, which will raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and to buy a defribulator for Kirkbymoorside fire station.

The firefighters are seeking to raise £1,600 for the machine, which will be used when they are called to road accidents.

"I'll be carrying my own tent and equipment, but I'm hoping to snatch a couple of nights bed and breakfast in a guest house to get a good rest," said Mr Richardson, who ran the London Marathon in 1983.

"It's going to be a big challenge, walking such a long way, but I'm determined to do it to raise the money - and I'm sure I shall be a lot slimmer as a result."

Anyone wanting to help is asked to contact Mr Richardson on (01751) 432795.