A ROSS-ON-WYE churchgoer made a marathon effort to attend last Sunday's Father's Day service.

Stuart Hutton also raised several hundred pounds for charity when he made the 26-mile journey to St Mary's church on foot from his Cheltenham home.

The 36-year-old had always fancied leaving the car at home to make the weekly trip and was delighted that he had made the effort.

"I'm aching a bit now and have the odd blister on my foot," he said. "But it was definitely worth it - it was a lovely night and when dawn broke without the noise of any cars it was really beautiful."

After being waved off by his wife Anna shortly after midnight, Stuart made short work of the cross-country walk and arrived in south Herefordshire two hours early.

Stuart received a bacon roll and a mug of tea from a church warden before the congregation arrived to applaud their walking hero.

"There is a marvellous collection of people at the church of all ages and backgrounds," he explained. "And they gave me a fabulous reception."

Following the service, Stuart's mother-in-law put on a barbecue to recharge his batteries before he returned to his Gloucestershire home by car.

"It might have been a bit too much to walk home as well," added Stuart, who has so far raised £750 for his church from his walking efforts.