THERE was a grand flag-waving send off for Callington's Jonny Burnard (12) on Saturday, as he set off on the first leg of his charity walk to Guipavas in France, which is twinned with the town.

Jonny's walk, for which he has spent three months in training and also fundraising, is in aid of The Dr Ambedkar Model School in Northern India.

Accompanied by his father, Callington Lion Andy Burnard, Jonny walked from Callington Community College where he is in Year 8, to loud cheers and clapping from fellow students and others from the college plus supporters from the town.

The first day involved a 15-mile walk to Millbay Docks Ferryport, Plymouth, after which he walked a further 35 miles over three days on the other side of the Channel.

He was due to be welcomed in Guipavas by representatives of Guipavas town council and twinning members, plus visiting twinners from Callington.

Jonny was also giving talks in two schools in Guipavas on his chosen charity, telling them how he wished to support some of the poorest children.

Throughout the walk Jonny's back up team were his grandparents, so the trip involved three generations of the Burnard family.