AN optician in Ellesmere Port has completed a gruelling 24-hour walk across the Scottish wilderness to raise money for ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity.

Paul Quinton, store manager at Ellesmere Port Specsavers, has raised a total of £700 by taking on the Cateran Yomp – a 54-mile trek across the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland.

The Cateran Yomp is a military term for a long-distance march, and the event was created by ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity to raise vital funds to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, is the national charity of the British Army and provides financial and practical support to soldiers, veterans, and their immediate family in times of need, even after they have left the Army.

Paul said of his feat: "I managed to complete 44 miles of the trek - it was a gruelling but rewarding 24 hours and I’m really thankful for the support of all my colleagues and customers.

"The work the charity does is just fantastic and the sense of determination and comradery from everyone taking part in the walk was really humbling."

To book a visit at the Ellesmere Port Specsavers store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ellesmereport.