Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

A month long charity walk around the rugged South West coast is underway with hundreds of people aiming to cover at least part of the 630-mile route.

Falklands veteran Simon Weston and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon's David Fitzgerald joined around 50 walkers taking part in the first stage of the Great South West Walk from Plymouth to Wembury.

Walkers will cover the entire length of the stunning South West Coast Path in just 30 days.

The 630-mile route is divided into 51 legs, and those taking part will cover anything between five and 25 miles.

A few dedicated walkers have pledged to complete the entire course covering up to 25 miles a day.

The first of 800 walkers set off along the South West Coast Path from Plymouth on Wednesday 1 August.

Michelle Pew, one of the walk leaders for the first leg, said: "It was a beautiful walk and the weather was gorgeous. We went at quite a pace and it's fair to say that everybody enjoyed it."

All funds raised will be divided between the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Macmillan Cancer Support and the Wooden Spoon charity, which improves the lives of disadvantaged children.

"If you only want to walk a mile, then do a mile, but hopefully you can do some good.

"It's all about raising money for three worthy causes, they are all very important.

"Do we need to tell anyone about the RNLI around the coast of Devon and Cornwall - everyone benefits from what they do. And Macmillan is providing cancer care, my mother worked for them and she had cancer herself.

"Everybody should get involved, it's an opportunity to to help raise money, have a lots of fun and take a bit of exercise as well. It's a no brainer really."

Radio Devon's David Fitzgerald is another keen supporter.

"Its been a fantastic atmosphere already," he said. "We've raised nearly Β£9,000 and this is just the start on day one."

By Wednesday 8 August supporters of the Great South West Walk had raised more than Β£50,000.

Photos courtesy of the Western Morning News.