A MAN who is 'wandering' from Newquay to John O'Groats has stopped for the night in Helmsley.

Steve Hallett, also known as 'the Wandering Gent', is walking up the country - not paying for accomodation or travel - and raising money for the charities Shelter and DISC.

He is also walking in memory of his mother, and his carrying her ashes with him, spreading them into the ocean.

After a 24-mile walk through the night, Mr Hallett got to Helmsley today, and is stopping at Barkers Cafe Bar after they offered him a cup of tea.

Dolly Davies, daughter of owner Martin, said: "We are absolutely inspired by him and think he is in need of some support from us Northerners."

She said that shops have helped out with donations of sweets and cards printed off to hand out on his travels.

"We want other towns to help chip in in some way on his way to Scotland," she added.

"He has slept rough and hitched a few lifts but he is not paying for accommodation or travel so he has done so well to make it this far."

Mr Hallett said that after Helmsley he is walking to Newcastle, probably via Middlesbrough.

Of Helmsley, he said: "It's a lovely town - especially the people in this cafe!"

He added that he set off from Newquay on Boxing day, but is not walking in a straight line up the country, but is zig-zagging around to visit with different people.

To read more about his journey and donate, visit his JustGiving page.