A BLIND man and his guide dog are stepping out for charity in a massive fundraiser.

Scott Cunningham, from Larkhall, and his labrador Travis make an annual trek to raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

And in May the intrepid pair are going the extra mile - walking The Pennine Way, one of the UK's most difficult routes.

Beginning in Edale, Derbyshire, Scott and Travis will walk 270 miles over 16 days, finishing at Kirk Yetholm, near Kelso.

Scott, 36, lost his sight when he was 23 due to a rare disease affecting the optic nerve.

He said: "Since I was partnered with Travis in 2003, he has given me the inspiration to tackle challenges I didn't think were possible.

"The treks have also made Travis the first guide dog to have successfully tackled the three biggest long-distance walks in Scotland - the West Highland Way, Speyside Way and Southern Upland Way.

"On our latest trek we hope to raise as much money as possible to help change other visually- impaired people's lives."

Scott has now raised more than £40,000 for the charity through sponsored walks over the past two years.

To sponsor Scott visit www.travistrek.co.uk or call Scott on 07979 956 932.