A RUGBY League fanatic will be hitching a ride to every Leigh in England to raise money for his local club.

Darren Bates will be doing a sponsored hitch hike to all 16 Leigh's in the country -- and he hopes to clock up the miles and cash for Leigh East amateur RL Club.

The 32-year-old, originally from Leigh but now living in Daisy Hill, has hitched a ride to an amazing 57 countries worldwide.

His latest road trip will begin from Knutsford services on the M6 later this month, in a trip which he expects to complete in five days.

Darren said: "I love my local Rugby League and thought that this would be a good way of raising some cash for Leigh East. It will be a challenge because people are less trusting about giving people a lift, with everything that's going on around the world.

"I love travelling and have been hitch hiking around the world, to places like America, Europe and North Africa. I would love to hitch hike around Russia, it's my dream to go there."

Geoff Owen, the President of Leigh East said he was delighted that Darren was raising cash for them.

He said: "Darren approached us completely out of the blue and asked if he could raise money for us. It's a novel idea to generate some money and we're thrilled that Darren is helping us out."

Leigh East are fundraising to help finance their proposed new home on the BARLA site in Marshall Street. There will be a prize of £100 for people who can guess the number of miles Darren does on his trek.

To sponsor Darren contact him on 07866895936 or Leigh East chairman Jim Hoffman on 01942 675923.