A WALK to remember a Ribble Valley landlord who died last year has raised more than £700 for charity.

Nigel Schofield, who helped run the Buck Inn in Grindleton with his wife Andrea, was found dead at the Sawley Road premises in July last year.

Around 50 people completed the 10k walk from the pub through Chatburn, Downham and Sawley.

The money raised from the walk is set to go to the North West Air Ambulance.

Andrea is also planning on creating a memorial garden at the rear of the pub in memory of her husband.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Nigel’s death.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who had known Nigel after visiting the pub in his role as a member of the The All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said that it was ‘wonderful that the community supported the event in large numbers’.

Mr Evans, who set the walk on its way, said: “The community has really come together to support Andrea through this difficult time.

“It’s wonderful that the walk was supported by such large numbers from the area.

“Nigel was a really nice bloke and it’s pretty awful whenever something like this happens, especially when it’s so unexpected.

“To see so many people turn out in support of a fantastic charity and in the fond memory of Nigel Schofield was incredibly moving.

“I am so often humbled by the people of the Ribble Valley’s dedication to helping those around them and was only too happy to set them off as they embarked on their enthusiastic walk around the Ribble Valley.

“It is a great way of staying fit and raising money at the same time.

“It must be very stressful for Andrea running the pub and it’s wonderful that she has kept it going.”