Blackpool plumber’s boots are made for walking

And Blackpool plumber Roger Evans celebrated the latest milestone in his journey by buying a new pair of boots.

Roger 57, is walkthrough the centre of Australia, from Darwin in the Northern territory, to Southport in Southern Tasmania on his own.

He aims to raise more than £50,000 for a charity set up honour of Ben Trend, a popular Fylde rugby player who died tragically while on holiday with his wife in 2010.

Roger, a long­time friend of the Trend family, is taking on the challenge to be the first recorded English person to walk across Australia since 1860.

Now he is preparing to set off on the final stage of his 2,700 mile trek.

After arriving at Port Augsta, in South West Australia, he faces another 1,400 mile journey to Tasmania, crossing at Melbourne. he hopes to complete his walk in early December.

In Port Augusta, Roger’s first priority was to find a new pair of hiking boots - his third since the start of the trek.

He said: “Iaid goodbye to my old boots and hello to my new ones. I’m excited, how sad is that when a new pair of boots get you excited?

And the town’s seaside location reminded Roger of home. He said: “First time I have seen the sea since Darwin and for a lad who lives by the sea I loved seeing it, walking by it and smelling it.”

Today Roger sets off on the final leg.

Visit www.bentrendgetinvolved.com

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