A COLNE man is preparing to retrace the steps of downed Second World War airmen as part of a gruelling trek for charity.

Les Robinson, 61, of Cumberland Street, is a long-time member of the town's Royal British Legion club and has volunteered for the hike to raise cash for the charity.

The organisation looks after the families of people injured or killed in conflicts.

Les, a retired Rolls Royce worker, will join the 'Freedom Trail' in July when he will walk from St Girons in France across the Mont Valier massif to Esterri d'Aneu in Spain.

The trail takes place every year in July in memory of those who used the route during the Second World War to escape the Germans.

Hundreds of Allied airmen who had been shot down over France made the trek to escape pursuing Nazis.

Les is hoping some of those who used the route, or people with relatives who may have used it, will come forward and share their experiences as he prepares for the trek.

He said: "I know there may not be many survivors out there who could have made the journey, but perhaps there are people whose loved ones did.

"It would certainly be very interesting to hear from anyone who knows a bit about the trail because it has a fascinating history and would give me an insight into what I have let myself in for.

"It would be nice to think I could perhaps leave a small memorial for anyone who lost loved ones trying to escape. It would be good to commemorate them in some way."

Les has to raise a minimum of £500 for the trek but is hoping to get closer to £2,000 - money which will go to the Royal Britsh Legion.

He said: "I enjoy walking, although this sounds like a pretty gruelling route through gorges and some quite extreme temperatures.

"Hopefully some of the younger ones taking part will blaze a bit of a trail for me and I can just follow on behind."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Les should call the Royal British Legion on 01282 863313.