A FORMER Hampshire policeman is set to embark on a 650 mile pilgrimage to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Andrew Howes, from Oliver’s Battery, served as a constable in Romsey for many years and is now taking on the challenge of walking the Via de la Plata from Seville to Santiago de Compostella in aid of Naomi House.

Mr Howes, who now teaches guitar for a living, will set out in early September.

The journey is expected to take approximately two months to complete and will see Mr Howes travel from southern Spain to Santiago in the north-west.

Andrew, a committed Christian, will be sporting the traditional scallop shell worn by pilgrims to the shrine of St James at Santiago cathedral.

So far he has raised £300 and has one big pay-out coming his way if he completes the journey. Landlords Neill and Pauline McCullock of the Royal Oak at Fritham have pledged £1 per mile.

He said he was making the trip in memory of his parents and that his inheritance would finance his travel costs.

To sponsor Andrew’s trek visit virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewHowes4Naomi.