A gardener has completed a 100-mile challenge of pushing a wheelbarrow along the South Downs Way for charity.

Andrew Nuttall, from Maidstone, took seven days to walk from Winchester to Eastbourne and aims to raise money and awareness to help a local homeless organisation.

The 55-year-old hopes to raise £5,500 for Maidstone Homeless Care (MHC) – a charity which operates both as a food bank, mental health support and delivers life skills sessions to vulnerable men and women in the borough.

Andrew said: "I volunteer to help the homeless, including gardening at Goodsell House, run by the MHC charity.

"I know the challenges faced by the homeless, especially having to keep moving with their limited belongings."

The wheelbarrow – which carried his home and possessions for the duration of the journey– was donated by Notcutts Garden Centre.

Andrew set off on Monday and contended with countless stiles, painful blisters, wind and rain for seven days straight, until he arrived in Eastbourne on Sunday night.

He added: "I met some amazing people on the trek who were surprised to see a barrow on the top of the South Downs.

"The fact I couldn't promise an exact end date was fitting, because like any homeless person I couldn't make definite plans due to daily uncertainties."

The gardener documented how far he travelled each day on Facebook. On day three he commented: “Man asked me if I was in the army.

"Lady asked me, when passing on the misty downs, if I was carrying a dead body.

"A good job I have the leaflets to explain!”

So far Andrew has raised more than £2,000 for the charity – if you wish to donate click here.

Matt Lamb, manager of Maidstone Day Centre, said: "The cost of living crisis has really affected donations.

"Any income from Andrews' trek will be invaluable."