FUNDRAISING walkers Richard Bevan, Sharon Harford and Steve Harford will become very familiar with the hills and valleys of Blaenau Gwent during the next few days.

The trio, members of Abertillery and Blaina Rotary Club, have embarked on an ambitious 100-mile challenge - 10 walks of 10 miles each around the county borough over 10 days, to raise money for three charities.

The walks will raise money for: The National Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Society, which helps people with a form of spinal arthritis; Kidney Wales Foundation, which supports kidney patients and families and promotes excellence in renal research; and Carers Trust South East Wales, which offers support and delivers high quality services for unpaid carers and people with care needs.

Mr Bevan, current president of Abertillery and Blaina Rotary Club, lives with ankylosing spondylitis.

"I wanted to do something to raise awareness of Rotary, demonstrate how proud I am to be from Blaenau Gwent, and also get fitter to counter my AS," he said.

"I’ll certainly be doing my best to walk my AS off and hopefully raise some money for charity along the way. Sharon and Steve are brilliant to agree to do this with me, as without them I know I wouldn’t make it."

Mrs Harford is raising money for the Kidney Wales Foundation and jumped at the chance to take part having been unable to do her chosen charity's Walk for Life in April.

Her husband Steve is chairman of the Carers Trust South East Wales the area's leading provider of practical support for carers and those with care needs.

"I have been involved as a director/trustee for many years and welcome this opportunity of raising some money for them through undertaking this challenge," he said.

Donations can made at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/abertilleryblaina-rotary