A BUSINESSMAN from Frinton has raised thousands of pounds for good causes through a charity trek.

McDonald’s franchisee Craig Newnes, who runs four fast-food restaurants in Colchester, walked a ten mile route with a staff team.

The plucky group set out to walk to all four McDonald’s restaurants in Colchester, taking them on a sprawling tour of the town.

Craig and his team – made up of Emma Howes, Zoey Bardell, Georgina Corbett and head office boss Keilly Newbould – started out at the Tollgate restaurant.

They marched to the High Street branch, before moving on to Cowdray Avenue and finishing up at the golden arches by Colchester United’s stadium.

It took the tired trekkers four hours to complete the route.

The charity walk and events held in the restaurants throughout the day raised a total of £2,000.

The event was organised to celebrate the anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which raise money for youngsters.

Craig said: “The challenge was tough, but we managed to walk to all four restaurants in four hours.

“We also had in-store activities with face painting, fancy dress and bucket collections.”