THE delights of the Golden Valley will be swapped for the golden sands of an Egyptian desert when a Herefordshire pensioner bids to make his way across some challenging terrain.

Keith Bladon, a 75-year-old from Blakemere, is planning to spend five days trekking across the Sinai desert in March to raise funds for two charities.

“I should know better really,” joked Mr Bladon, a retired chartered accountant.

“It’s where Moses and the Israelites wondered about for about 40 years – I am hoping to do it in a little less time.

“It’s a charity challenge and I didn’t think they would accept me because of my age.

“I have to raise £2,500 by the end of the year and that will be my main motivation for training.”

The walk will start with a dawn ascent of Mount Sinai and finishes more than 60 miles later at the shore of the Red Sea.

The walk will benefit both Wellbeing of Women and Prostate UK.

A car wash and cakes fundraising event will be held at Preston-on-Wye Village Hall on Saturday, October 18, between 10am and 3pm.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Bladon can call 01981 500599.