A former serviceman plans to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path in a fundraising mission that will take him most of September.

Sixty year old Steve Keane, a former Devonshire and Dorset Regiment Warrant Officer from Exwick in Exeter, is planning the trip from Poole to Minehead to raise money for three service charities.

In 2007 Steve walked the route in the opposite Minehead-to-Poole direction, raising £12,500 for two charities in the process.

'I will repeat the challenge starting at the end of August 2013, but this time starting at Poole and walking the route in the opposite direction' he said. 'My charities will be The Royal British Legion, SSAFA Forces Help and The Rifles Care for Casualties'

The classic long distance route has been divided into a series of legs over nearly one month. Steve is hoping to top the amount he raised in 2007 and is asking for support along the route.

Rifles Regimental Secretary Major Don Jellard, who is helping to coordinate the challenge, said: 'My hope is that we can raise awareness with local people along the route and get them involved in some small way.'

Donations can be made via Steve Keane's Justgiving page