Alec Crombie, of High Street East, Uppingham, set off on the Rutland Round on Monday with former High Sherriff of Rutland Libby Gilman.

The pair were expected to finish their journey, which follows the county’s border, today.

Mr Crombie, 65, took on the challenge after hearing about the Warning Zone centre in Syston, near Leicester, which educates primary school children about staying safe in everyday life.

He said: “I hardly need to tell people about the importance of raising money for a good cause and as I know from a lifetime in law, causes don’t come much better than this one.

“Our young people are our future and I believe passionately in them and their safety.

“By educating for safety I know deep down that we can all do our bit to give those youngsters better than ever chances in life.”

He heard about the charity from Mrs Gilman, who gave a talk to the Rutland Ramblers last year during her time in office.

Mrs Gilman, who lives in Pilton, said: “In a mad moment I decided to join Alec on his walk.

“We have a team of walkers who will help me guide him around and over the stiles, along with my black labrador Jessie who so far has more sponsorship than me!”

In January Year 6 children from Ketton Primary School will visit the safety centre, which will mean every state primary school in Rutland will have used the facility.

Its sessions include topics such as the dangers of building sites and electricity, road safety, alcohol, personal safety, railways, criminal damage and fire safety.

To sponsor the pair visit www.justgiving.com/aleccrombie

A walking group donated £50 to the Warning Zone safety centre this week. The Oakham Healthy Walkers raised the cash from coffee sales after weekly walks in and around Oakham.

Walk leader Bob Lucas joined Mr Crombie and Mrs Gilman for their first 13-mile leg of the event.