A long-serving Damart worker has begun a fundraising tour of the UK in aid of Manorlands.

Stationery administrator Chris Exley set off on Wednesday on his 11-day charity challenge.

He aims to visit all 24 Damart stores across the UK, stretching from Aberdeen to Brighton, collecting cash en route.

Chris hopes his effort - which will cover 2,000 miles, without using motorways - will raise over £1,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder Care Centre.

And to mark his 25 years' service with the company, Damart is sponsoring the venture by providing transport and petrol.

Chris said: "The inspiration for my road trip came from J B Priestley, who began a journey across the country, which eventually became the basis for his book An English Journey.

"I have been involved with Manorlands since they cared for my father more than 20 years ago. I plan to write about my travels, as well as taking photographs which I hope will form the basis of a fundraising calendar."

Damart customer services manager Graeme Hall said: "It's quite a challenge to cover 2,000 miles in eleven days without using the motorways. Staff at each of our stores around the country will be tracking Chris's progress."