A 78-year-old grandfather who sets off today on a 127- mile walk from Liverpool to Leeds received a civic send-off from the Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Jean Godward.

Jeffrey Long, of Bingley, will tackle the route along the canal for the Lord Mayor of Bradford’s Appeal.

The former paratrooper is due to arrive in Leeds on Sunday, April 4.

This year the appeal is raising money for the Little Heroes Cancer Trust and Bradford and District Senior Power, of which Mr Long is a member.

Lord Mayor of Bradford John Godward said: “This is a great challenge and I am very grateful to Jeffrey for taking part and raising money for my appeal.”

Mr Long said: “We must all do our bit to help those in need and this is my way of helping others.”