An old soldier plans to trek along a route taken by escaped prisoners during the Second World War.
Denis Frain, 71, from Woodchurch flies out to France on July 7 in order to acclimatise for his four-day trek across the Pyrenees to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
Mr Frain, who served with the Durham Light Infantry, said: “I’m looking forward to it. I have been training nearly every day, walking for at least four or five miles, carrying a 35lb backpack.”
He has had to raise £1,000 for the venture but hopes to raise more for the Legion, who have organised the 10-man trek.
A fund-raising event is being held at the Bonny Cravat pub on Friday, June 26 at 8pm and will see Woodchurch Morris Men, along with a Morris side from Hastings, entertaining.
There will also be a barbecue.
The trek stretches from France to the border of Spain and is about 55 miles.
It is known as the Freedom Route as it was used by escaped POWs.
Mr Frain said: “I met a chap who did it when he was 19. He had been shot down in Holland.”
Anyone wanting to sponsor Mr Frain should get a form from Woodchurch post office.