A man from Margate has started a year-long challenge to cycle, run or walk every square kilometre of Kent in a bid to raise £5,000 for charity.

Ex-Royal Engineer Steve Morley, has so far completed 565 out of the county’s 3,736 square kilometres.

His tour of the Garden of England began with a 33km bike ride along the Thanet Viking Trail on New Year’s Day and has also included a hike round Clowes Wood near Herne Bay and a five-mile run between Monkton and the River Stour.

The 46-year-old father of four, is raising money for the Kent Air Ambulance and has been tackling the challenge in between his job at the charity.

The Kent Air Ambulance property asset manager said: “I like to keep fit and I love navigating with maps so I wanted to combine the two and come up with a challenge that was different and unique, and I wanted it to be meaningful.

“It’s been quite tough, cold and dark so far and a little bit slower than I anticipated. I’ve definitely taken on a challenge.”

Steve, who served in the Army for 24 years, fell off his bike while cycling through woods near Canterbury but escaped unhurt.

“It’s been quite tough, cold and dark so far and a little bit slower than I anticipated. I’ve definitely taken on a challenge...” Steve Morley

He said: “In term of distance I’ve completed about 644kms, mostly cycling but also walking with family and friends. It’s taken me 52 hours and it will take me about 340 hours to complete.

“What concerns me is that there are some pretty difficult areas to tackle which will be a lot slower, like the marshes south of the Isle of Sheppey, but I’m absolutely confident I will complete this challenge.”

For more information and to sponsor Steve visit www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Morley4