AN OSWESTRY town and Shropshire councillor, and a former mayor, is going the extra 1,000 miles to raise money for the town’s foodbank.

Duncan Kerr, who sits as a member of both councils, is getting on two wheels to complete one of the most traditional routes in the United Kingdon – John o’Groats in northern Scotland to Lands End in Cornwall.

Cllr Kerr is a keen cyclist and will be setting off on his solo journey on Friday May 17 and is hoping to be riding through his hometown around a week later before then pushing on into the south of England.

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He will complete a ride of 1,000 miles from John o’Groats to Lands End to raise money for the Oswestry and Borders Foodbank which is currently housed in a shop in Beatrice Street.

Cllr Kerr says his efforts are aimed at giving the foodbank more finances to unlock the tools it needs to continue supporting vulnerable people in the town.

He said: “At the moment, hundreds of families in Oswestry are reliant on the services that the foodbank provides, and it is not just food.

"The welfare advice they give has secured more than £200,000 in benefits that local people did not know they were entitled to and that all helps them and the local economy.

“They also work with the Samaritans and provide advice with both mental health and domestic abuse.

“It is a comprehensive and fabulous service that has helped over 19,000 people in the last four years. The least I can do is to help highlight their work and raise some funds by doing this.

“You can support me, and more importantly, them by going online to donate on their website www.oswestryandborders.foodbank.org.uk and saying your donation is prompted by Duncan’s cycle ride.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Cllr Kerr with his trusty bike. Cllr Kerr with his trusty bike. (Image: Duncan Kerr.)

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Cllr Kerr starts his solo journey on Friday, May 17 and as his route passes through Oswestry will be back in the town around Saturday, May 25 before heading south.

He recently visited the foodbank to promote his efforts and was delighted to meet up with Liz Jermy, manager of the Foodbank, and Zanna Buckeridge, who is also involved.

Cllr Kerr is a member of the Green Party in Shropshire, representing it at both town and unitary authority level.