KEIGHLEY'S town mayor has embarked on a gruelling challenge to raise money for his chosen charities.

Councillor Luke Maunsell is walking the 128-mile length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath in support of the two causes – Dementia Friendly Keighley and the locally-based mental health organisation, It's Worth Talking About.

He has set off from Liverpool this morning (August 30) and aims to finish in Leeds on Sunday.

The target is to walk around 21 miles daily, starting at about 9am and finishing at approximately 5pm each day.

His accommodation en route will be either camping or B&Bs.

On Sunday he will be joined by friends and family for the last leg of the walk, which will see him pass through Keighley before heading on to Bingley and ultimately his final destination. He expects to be at the Granby Lane bridge area, in Riddlesden, at around 10.30am and would welcome people turning up to offer encouragement.

Before starting the walk, Cllr Maunsell said: "This is by far the biggest challenge I have ever set myself.

"Despite all my training – which has involved walking over 15 miles a day for many months – I still can't believe that the time has come to take on this journey.

"I cannot thank enough for their support everyone who has donated so far; it's incredible how people have taken to this challenge.

"I'm looking forward to meeting people at the Granby Lane bridge on Sunday to cheer me on.

"If anyone would like to donate, please do so online or alternatively feel free to physically hand your donation to me on Sunday.

"I am doing this huge mission for two excellent charities which deserve nothing but the utmost support.

"Both Dementia Friendly Keighley and It's Worth Talking About do such an important job in our town in supporting those who need them."

The online fundraising page can be accessed via keighley.gov.uk/leeds-liverpool-canal-challenge.

Cllr Maunsell launched his charity appeal when he became mayor in May.

"I am excited to be starting my fundraising efforts with such a massive task," he adds.

"The sponsored walk will push me to my limit – and I need as much backing as possible!"

For more about It's Worth Talking About, a volunteer-led peer support service with groups across the district, visit itsworthtalkingabout.org.

Further information about Dementia Friendly Keighley and its services can be found at dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk.