TEACHER Chris Hill has shed four stones by learning a simple lesson — walking is good for you.

And he is now using his weight-loss plan to raise money for a children’s charity by taking part in the 50-mile Bolton Boundary Walk.

The 25-year-old from Halliwell, who teaches primary school children at St Catherine’s Academy in Breightmet, decided to take action when he weighed in at Christmas at 20 stones.

“Each year my parents buy me clothes for a present and the size had gone from large, to extra-large to XXXL this time. So I thought enough was enough,” said Chris, who is married to Kate.

He started cutting out his beloved burgers and takeaways, began eating sensibly and going out for long weekly walks with his dad, Dave, and fatherin- law Dave Hamblett.

He said: “When I saw something about the Bolton Boundary Walk being 50 miles over two days I thought that was the ideal target to aim for, and to train for.

“So we’ve been going out walking each Sunday — to places like the Jumbles and Entwistle— and doing 10 to 15 miles each time.

“It’s been really enjoyable and I’ve already lost four stones. My goal is to get below 16 stones, and be medium size in clothes, and then I can buy some new jeans!”

Chris is also busy raising money for Children Today, the charity which buys specially adapted wheelchairs and other equipment for local children whose families cannot afford the specialised equipment.

The Bolton Boundary Walk , which takes in part of the Rotary Way, is on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3, starting and finishing at the De Vere Whites Hotel at the Reebok Stadium at Middlebrook.

It is designed for walkers of all abilities who can walk the whole route or do the one-day challenge of 25 miles. The walk passes through Hart Common, Walkden, Ringley, Affetside, Dimple, Winter Hill and Blackrod, using legal rights of way and generally avoiding walking along roads.

Cost of registration is £20 for the two-day challenge and £15 for one day, plus minimum sponsorship of £50 per person.

● Contact Elizabeth Oakes on 07990 510325, email Elizabeth@childrentoday.

org.uk. To support Chris Hill’s efforts, go to Just Giving.co.uk/Bolton