A grandad who has organised charity walks attended by Congletonians for over 30 years, has started to fundraise for his next event.

The Christian Aid walk undertaken by people from across Congleton has received a £500 head start.

Organiser John Bamford has collected £500 from staff at GR Plimbley Insurance Services on Wharf Road, Biddulph as he marches on with plans for the return of his annual charity trek in April.

Since 1991, John aged 83, has been the driving force behind the North Staffordshire Christian Aid Committee which stages the walk round Tittesworth Water, near Leek each spring.

Hundreds of church-goers from across Staffordshire and Cheshire take part each year and in 2019 the annual effort hit a £1m milestone raised for the charity.

Grandfather of three, Mr Bamford from Biddulph said: "Tittesworth Water, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, is a stunning backdrop for the walks which take place with kind permission of Severn Trent Water.

"We are thrilled to be back again. Like so many events, the walk has been on hold for two years due to the pandemic so it will be great to meet up with regular walkers and new supporters on April 2.

"Even though we couldn't walk as a group, people still did their own thing over the past two years helping to raise a further £51,000 and to receive a cheque from GR Plimbley was lovely recognition of the effort put in by everyone."

Mr Bamford, who received the MBE for his charity efforts in 2006, combines organising the walks with his joy of teaching. The retired teacher still passes on his knowledge of science subjects including maths, biology and physics to local youngsters as a private tutor.

In awarding him his MBE for his charity works, the Queen's advice to Mr Bamford was to 'keep it up' – and he has certainly done that in style.

He added: "I've been a customer of GR Plimbley for many years and the staff are very friendly. Over the years the branch has made many donations to Christian Aid but this was something special and very touching."

GR Plimbley branch manager Matthew Wood said: "We are in awe of Mr Bamford's commitment to raising money for Christian Aid and inspiring so many people to put their best foot forward each year. He's a real credit to Biddulph.

"We have made several smaller donations to the charity over the years but decided to bump it up to give Mr Bamford and everyone involved a head start as they prepare for a triumphant return."

Around 200 people from across Biddulph and surrounding areas including Leek, Congleton and the Potteries, take part in the walks raising around £40,000 each year.

Each pay a donation to trek the full five miles round the water or a distance of their choice.

To join the tens of Congleton residents that join them every year, please email committee secretary [email protected].

Walkers can also turn up on the day and register at the marquee near Tittesworth Water visitor centre. It will be open from 9.15am. The April 2 walk begins at 10am.

For more on insurance services call GR Plimbley on 01782 512592 or visit www.plimbleyinsurance.co.uk