A MATHON man is preparing for a trek along the Great Wall of China for charity.

Alan Wallcroft, editor of the Bromsgrove Advertiser, part of the Newsquest newspaper group, leaves for the fundraising attempt on Friday, October 17.

"I'm fulfilling the ambition of a lifetime," he said.

Mr Wallcroft is doing the 10-day walk for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). He has managed to raise the £1,995 sponsorship required through asking family and friends, organising a lucky draw and holding a coffee morning at Cradley Post Office that raised £472.

His wife Val has also helped by organising car boot sales.

Mr Wallcroft, a former deputy editor of the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, does not know how far he will be walking but said he would be climbing a lot of steps on his trip.

He said: "I've been training by walking on the hills and last Saturday I went to a football match in Bromyard and walked, which was about 12 miles."

Anybody interested in sponsoring Mr Wallcroft should send a cheque care of the Bromsgrove Advertiser, 5, High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ.