A Ledbury man who suffers from motor neurone disease has been praised for courage and determination, after completing a ten-mile charity walk.

Don Rigby, 62, who was diagnosed with the disease five years ago, set out with 63 other walkers on Sunday to raise funds for research.

With him at the start, at the Rose and Crown, Redmarley, was Archie the German pointer. The idea was that the dog would complete the sponsored walk for the Ledbury grandfather, if he became too tired to carry on.

But walk organiser Julie Burr said: "Don was brilliant and did the whole ten miles. He found it difficult, but surprised everyone with his determination. I just think he is very brave."

Mrs Burr is the dance instructor for Ledbury's 5-Star Liners and Mr Rigby is still a regular at the sessions, despite being badly affected by the disease, in the upper part of his body in particular.

Mr Rigby managed to complete the country walk in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Mrs Burr was also surprised by the amount of people who turned up to walk with Mr Rigby for the chosen charity.

She said: "It was a very good response."

Sponsorship money is still coming in and the precise amount raised will not be known for at least a week.

But Mrs Burr estimates that around £1,700 will have been raised, when the final tally is made.

Anyone wishing to add to that total with a donation should phone 077641 61089.