COLCHESTER mayor Julie Young is set to lead a walk across an area of outstanding natural beauty in a bid to raise money for charity.

Mrs Young will spearhead the 14-mile trek over the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The walk will take place on Saturday, April 22, and ramblers will walk from Bures to Dedham, taking in some of the views captured by artist John Constable.

Proceeds will be split between Beacon House, Open Road, Signpost, The Rob George Foundation and The Invicta Foundation.

Mayor Mrs Young said: "I’m really looking forward to walking across the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty although a little concerned whether my feet will hold up.

"However, given the incentive of raising funds for some outstanding charities and the excellent views and company we will have I am confident of finishing."

Nigel Chapman, Chairman of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley Advisory Committee, who will join Mrs Young, added: "It will be terrific to show the mayor the outstanding countryside around England’s oldest recorded town and some of the wildlife, landscape and access projects we have worked on over the years."

For more details, go to dedhamvalestourvalley.org or call Simon Amstutz from the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Project, on 01394 445222.

Participants can also email the group on DedhamVale.Project@suffolk.gov.uk.