THE vicar of the Bredenbury group of parishes has raised more than £6,000 for charity on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Rev. Chris Fletcher and his wife Maggie walked a total of 440 miles in 42 days to raise funds for Bromyard Hospital's physiotherapy department and the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.

"It was very hard work. We learnt what it was like to put one foot in front of the other and concentrate only on that," he said, "But in general it was very exciting."

They arrived in Santiago de Compostela on Rev. Fletcher's 60th birthday, and were met by a group of friends and parishioners.

The group then attended a pilgrim mass in the city's famous cathedral.

Rev. Fletcher said the massive Bota Fumeiro incense burner, which is only swung on special occasions, was swung at the end of the mass.

During the trip, Bromyard residents were kept up to date on the couple's progress by Dr Gerry Kennedy, who plotted their route on a map in the window of Microprint, in Bromyard.

Rev. Fletcher said he was also grateful to Robert Turner and all the Bromyard residents who gave donations.