A TRIO of church members are planning to better their seven peaks walk of last year by attempting a 21-mile stroll in 10 hours.

Andrew Maxwell and Paul West, both Dursley Methodist members, are again attempting their annual walk to raise money for the church but this year Andrew’s wife Ruth has volunteered to join them on the challenging ramble.

Last year Andrew and Paul completed a 17-mile walk, starting at 8am, and this year they plan to do 22 miles, starting at 6.30am.

Andrew, 55, of Dursley, has been doing some unusual training for the walk, which they are attempting this Saturday.

"I have been training on the pie and chips diet, filling myself with lots of essential carbohydrates," he said. "It’s working well at the moment but I am not so sure about how it will work when I set off on the day."

Despite Andrew’s apparent lack of concern about his training, he and Paul are seasoned pros at long walks, completing them each year to raise vital funds for the Methodist church.

"Ever since me and my wife moved to Dursley we have really enjoyed walking because it is such beautiful countryside," said Andrew.

"It is usually a very peaceful walk but my wife is coming this year so I won’t get any quiet on the day."

The three intrepid walkers have planned a route that will take them from Dursley via Coombe, near Wotton, and Ozleworth Bottom to Tresham and on to Hawkesbury Upton for a beer and a sandwich at the Beaufort Arms.

Then they will walk via Hillesley to Wotton Parish Church, on to North Nibley and Stinchcombe Hill and back to Dursley for approximately 5pm. They are naming the walk the Two Monument’s Meander as their stroll takes them past the Somerset and Tyndale monuments.

Also on Saturday the church in Castle Street will be holding a summertime afternoon tea with music, cream teas and cakes. Those still at the tea tables at 5pm will be able to welcome to weary walkers back.

Minister of the church Rev Norman Wallwork said: "This year we trust the walk will again raise significant funds towards the refurbishment of the windows of our Grade II listed building."

"Anyone can add their name to a sponsor form by popping into to the chapel on a weekday or Saturday morning."