Will Shaw completed the gruelling 100km walk with actor Joe McGann. The actor had publicised the event which was in aid of the Children's Society. Will, from Pickles Hill, Oldfield, hopes to raise £5,000 from his efforts.

Will, a courier with DHL, spent five days walking along the Great Wall which roughly borders China and Mongolia and stretches for 3,000 miles. "The highlight of the trek was the scenery," Will says. "In the remote areas the landscape was incredible."

But the charity trek was not without its dangers. "At times you felt like you were clinging on by your finger nails the wall was so steep," will says. The prospect of the five-day trek was so daunting that 15 volunteers in an accompanying party pulled out at the start.

But Will, 40, says despite the hardships it was worth it. He is thankful to his sponsors Damart and Mountaineer, of Grassington, which provided the clothing and equipment which kept him warm. "At times the accommodation was very basic," Will says. "After a gruelling day's walk the only hotel would be a freezing cold barracks with no heating or hot water."

But the charity event, one of the biggest fundraising challenges of its kind, was not all toil, as Will and the other walkers enjoyed a sightseeing tour of the Chinese capital Beijing.

Will now plans to go to the Andes mountains in Peru for another fundraising effort for the Children's Society. The charity is also planning further walks along the Great Wall. For details phone 0171 278 5769.

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