FORMER Devizes School headmaster Malcolm Irons celebrated with champagne when he finished his 630 mile charity coastal walk just 66 days after he set off.

Mr Irons has raised more than £4,000 for Rethink Mental Illness with the walk along the South West Coastpath from Minehead in North Somerset to Poole in Dorset.

He was greeted at the end of the walk by friends and family complete with a banner made by Devizes School finance and public relations manager Karen Sims.

His wife Jeanette who accompanied him for much of the walk was also there to join in the celebration.

Mr Irons, 61, said: "What a great reception at South Haven Point. Jeannette, friends and family all there with Prosecco, banner, food and then a celebratory meal at the seafood restaurant next door.

"I've made it. All 630 miles in 66 days around every inch of the South West Coastpath. Through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world and with the benefit of some great British weather.

"To date I've raised £4,141 for Rethink Mental Illness and I know there's more on the way. Thank you to everyone who has already given so generously."

He was kept company by different friends and family for most of his journey and has even bumped into familiar faces

Mr Irons, who lives near Warminster and is a former deputy head at Kingdown School, dubbed his hike Mr Irons' Big Walk. He chose to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness as it is close to his heart as his wife Jeannette suffered serious post natal depression following the birth of their first son.

Before he set off he popped into Devizes School to get support but also to remind pupils about the effect mental illness can have on people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

He said: "I have seen at first hand how it can affect people and also through my years teaching I was aware of how mental illness can affect families."

His progress was then followed by a number of Devizes School pupils and staff on Facebook.

To donate to the charity go to www.justgiving.com/malcolmirons