INTREPID walker Alex Hills, from Halesowen, is due to complete a 160-mile sponsored trek from Exeter to his home town next Thursday.

The 20-year-old geography student set off from Exeter University on Tuesday to raise money towards a visit to Ghana where he will teach sport and education at a summer school.

Accompanied by fellow student Roman Christoforou , aged 18, they hope to raise £3,500 for their work in the country’s Volta region.

They will be among a group of 10 who will deliver a 30-day programme of extra-curricular lessons, focusing on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development, support a reading club and take part in football coaching.

Alex, of Hunnington Crescent, played cricket for Worcestershire County youth teams and still manages a few games for Old Hill Cricket Club.

Speaking from Taunton today, he said they were doing well, although the footsore pair had used five blister plasters this morning.

Several local people are planning to walk with them for the final five miles and they are due to finish their nine-day challenge at Halesowen Cricket Club at 8pm, where a welcoming reception is planned.