A BOOK written by Blackburn accountant John Turner which combines breathtaking country walks with a traditional pint of real ale has raised £1,000 for local charities.

John raised the cash after publishing his guide to 10 walks in the West Pennines which feature picturesque country pubs along the routes.

"This was a tremendous result, beyond all my expectations," said John, an audit partner at Blackburn accountants DTE. "Thanks must go to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph which ran an article about my book and the resulting support from readers.

The guide - A Walking Drinker or a Drinking Walker? - is still available and features walks varying in length from three miles to ore than 10 miles. The pubs include the Black Dog at Belmont and the Strawbury Duck at Entwistle.