By Lianne Burnell

CHARITY worker Andy Peddle, 71, conquered the hills of the Five Valleys as part of a sponsored trek to every Salvation Army church and charity shop in the country.

Dressed in his top hat and tails, lifelong Salvationist Andy was greeted by a small congregation at the church in Acre Street, Stroud, on Thursday, August 29.

Grandfather Andy, whose mission began in May 2012, is aiming to raise £100,000 to fund the charities work with the homeless and victims of human trafficking.

He said: "I think that what the Salvation Army does is fantastic and so important.

"I want people over the age of 65 to realise that life does go on and that you can volunteer and get involved.

"There are a lot of hills around here, which were challenging, but it is nothing compared to Scotland," said Andy, who will continue to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean this week.

So far Andy, from Downley in Buckinghamshire, has raised £73,000.

He will have walked an incredible 7,900 miles - the equivalent of 15 million steps - when his trek finishes in London in November.

"I walk six days a week with a support van following me so I can have a break and sleep wherever needed," said Andy, who completed an 8,000 mile walk twenty years ago in aid of those starving in Africa.

"I only see my family once every nine weeks, which is tough.

"But I got to retirement and I had the time and energy to do something worthwhile. I also wanted to thank God for all the blessings I have had in my life."

To sponsor Andy go to www.justgiving.com/andy-peddle