THE co-owner of a Highworth high street emporium completed another yearly marathon walk to raise money for a good cause.

Richard Marsden of the Highworth Emporium got his hiking boots on to trek the 30-mile route around the Yorkshire Dales with 30 other fundraisers for Sue Ryder.

He said: "It was good fun, it's great to mingle with old friends and new faces in the lovely countryside to support a good cause.

"I walked with a group of four and we did it in 11 hours and 20 minutes, a longer walk this year but with fewer hills so not quite as difficult."

Industry card-buying group CardGains supports independent retailers like the Emporium and organised the event on its 30th anniversary.

The walkers as a whole have raised more than £12,000, with £1,100 of that from generous Highworth customers.

The Highworth Emporium held a raffle with prizes worth £700 supplied by 25 supportive companies.

Richard added: "People have been so supportive, I would like to thank my fellow walkers, our amazing customers, the dedicated team at CardGains and our fantastic suppliers for making this happen.

"The CardGains team walked with us and it was great to have people cheering you on when weariness started to set in.

"Organising the raffle can make the walk seem like the easy bit sometimes but it's always great to see the town come together for it.

"Last year was a bit lean as I only raised around £750 which was the lowest amount for some time, but this year has more than made up for it. The most I'd ever raised in one go was £2,300 the first time I did this.

"It makes the black toenails worthwhile."

Next, Mr Marsden is setting his sights on completing his first-ever 10km event in September to support the same charity, which supports people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses in the UK.

He has already started training for the Glasgow 10k, shortly after returning home from the Dales, and hopes to finish within a time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Richard Marsden co-manages the Highworth Emporium with Aga Gabrysiak.