A veteran fundraiser from Oswestry is limbering up ahead of her 50th Derwen College sponsored walk.

Olive Morris has already clocked up more than 400 miles to support the charity over the years having raised thousands of pounds towards facilities for students with learning disabilities and difficulties.

And the sprightly pensioner from College Road shows no signs of slowing down as she prepares to join up to 400 walkers on Sunday, March 25.

The 2018 event will be her 50th - having only ever missed the very first walk in 1967.

She began the following year at the age of 24.

The 74-year-old said: "The walk is actually easier than it used to be.

"Last year, the route was changed. We used to walk 10 miles and go up Oswestry Racecourse; it was quite a pull up there!"

The new 10k and 6k routes begin and end at the specialist college in Gobowen, for which fundraising will go towards a £60,000 appeal for a new therapy and fitness centre including a much-needed hydrotherapy pool and specialist equipment.

Olive, who is set to raise £400 this year alone, continued: "I’ve had to pick up extra sponsor forms from the college, I’m on my fourth form now!

"I like walking and like collecting money for such a good cause.

"I’ve lost count of how much I’ve raised over the years but it must be in the thousands. For the past decade I’ve raised more than £100 every year. I raised over £300 last year and am set to top £400 this year. I’ve got some very supportive friends from church, gardening club and dancing."

Olive has no plans to retire from the walk in the near future.

"When I reached 70, I said I wasn’t sure how long I’d keep it up but I’m still doing it.

"I’ve probably slowed down a bit but I’ll keep going as long as I can.

"I am very proud to say I support Derwen College. I visit the garden centre often and will be coming to the Summer Fete on May 31."

The walk will have staggered start times from 11am and should finish by 2pm. Every walker receives a free hot drink and soup and home-made bread roll on completion. Special walk breakfast and lunch menus will also be available in The Orangery Restaurant and Garden Café.

For more information on walking or volunteering to www.derwen.ac.uk or telephone 01691 661234.