A FORMER paratrooper celebrated his 85th birthday by walking 85 miles along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Jeffrey Long MBE was given a civic send off a the start of his walk in Bradford by the Lord Mayor and was expected to complete his ten day walk yesterday.

He has carried out the walk, to Barnoldswick and back to Bradford, on his own, but in Skipton was joined on the towpath by Skipton Mayor, Martin Emmerson.

Cllr Emmerson, in one of his final duties before handing over the chains of office, met Mr Long at The Rendezvous Hotel, Keighley Road, where he spent the night, before walking the mile into town.

Mr Long, from Bingley, a veteran of long distance walks who has raised thousands of pounds for charity, is raising money for Support Our Paras.

Last year he walked 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall for his 84th birthday, and he has also walked 625 miles from London to Lausanne.

Support Our Paras is a charity which supports The Parachute Regiment through the welfare of serving soldiers and families and those affected by recent operations, and through the maintenance of its regimental efficiency, ethos, spirit and heritage.

To support Jeffrey’s event, visit mydonate.bt.com/events/jeffreylongmbe. There is also a donations box at the Rendezvous Hotel.