The Rector of Saint Peter's Church, Addingham, proved he could walk the walk, as well as talk the talk when he completed a 42-mile charity course in 24 hours.

The Reverend Andrew Tawn walked the Lyke Wake Walk in a group of ten raising money for Prostate Research Campaign UK.

The Lyke Wake challenge is to complete a 42-mile walk across the North York Moors in 24 hours. The route starts just outside Osmotherley and ends at Ravenscar on the east coast, crossing rough terrain over hills and through bogs.

So the Rev Tawn has raised about £1,300 in sponsorship, mostly from his own congregation. The whole group has raised about £20,000.

Mr Tawn, 45, said: "Before I did the walk I had no idea so many men suffer from prostate cancer or other prostate problems. Lots of people who have sponsored me have told me how they personally have been affected directly or indirectly. I've been amazed at people's generosity."

It is still possible to contribute to this cause by sending a cheque payable to Prostate Campaign Research UK to The Rectory, Low Mill Lane, Addingham, lkley, LS29 0QP, or online by visiting the website (www.justgiving.com/markrobinsonlykewake).

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect men in the UK. More than 32,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year. About 10,000 die of prostate cancer each year - the equivalent of one death every hour.