A councillor has laced up his walking boots and set off on a 2,230mile trek around England to raise money for the young people of Billericay.

Cllr Peter Greenwood waved goodbye to his family and supporters on Sunday, June 6, to start the mammoth walk which will take six months.

He is walking around the edge of England to raise money for a long held dream to build a youth centre at Hannakins Farm Community Centre in Rosebay Avenue.

It is estimated to cost around £650,000 and the town councillor for southeast Billericay is trying to raise as much sponsorship money as he can to help meet the target.

So far, Essex County Council Youth Service has donated £6,000 and other residents who back the cause are being asked to give funds.

The 63-year-old from The Meadow Way, is chairman of the Billericay Town Council youth town council working party and is dedicated to providing more activities for youngsters in the town.

He will walk on his own and will carry his own camping equipment. His route has been planned so he will be able to stay at campsites every night and he will mainly use long distance footpaths to cover the distance.

He said: "I love the outdoors and it's a good opportunity to get away from it all. It's something I've had in mind for a long time and I want to complete it when I still can.

"I have been involved in the youth centre for a long time.

"I've had children and they are grown up now, but I've seen the problems with youths hanging around Billericay because there is nothing to do. The youth centre would address some of these problems."

To support the cause or for further information, call the town council offices on 01277 625732.

Published Thursday June 10, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo