VETERAN runner Bruce Tulloh has set off on his 80 mile walk to mark his 80th birthday.

Mr Tulloh, former international athlete, coach and author, from Marlborough, has opted to mark this notable landmark by tackling a walk from his home to London, along the Kennet valley, the Kennet and Avon canal and the Thames path.

He set off on Monday from Marlborough and is due to finish on Sunday. His challenge is also a means of publicising his new book on Healthy Old Age, called How to Avoid Dying (for as long as possible).

He said: "The object of the walk is to highlight the need for the elderly to look after their own health and fitness.

"You see so many books written for women bringing up babies or on dieting but very little geared towards elderly people wanting a better lifestyle.

"We are living longer, but suffering more from ill-health; we can go a long way towards improving the situation by following a sensible diet and exercise regime.

"And this is not aimed at just runners or sports people. This is for ordinary people, who are perhaps approaching 50 or so and want to get fitter and healthier to enjoy their life more."

He was waved off from Marlborough by Wiltshire Age Uk chairman Mike Weston and CEO Brian Deeley.