BARRY-BORN weatherman Derek Brockway has begun training for an epic charity trek next year, in his hometown.

The BBC Wales forecaster and Weatherman Walking presenter was joined by an enthusiastic group on one of his favourite walks, on Sunday.

Starting out from Barry Dock offices, he and 42 others, from across South Wales, followed a route taking in Jackson’s Bay, Barry Island, Watchtower Bay, and the Knap before reaching Rhoose Point.

The eight-mile training walk was held in aid of the Velindre Cancer Centre, as Mr Brockway prepares to trek the Inca Trail to the fabled lost city of Machu Picchu, Peru, in September 2017.

Velindre, as well as urging support for the 49-year-old's fundraising efforts, is also welcoming anyone who would like to take part in the Peru expedition to register their interest.

Mr Brockway took on a Patagonia trek for the charity last year, helping the charity raise £500,000. It is hoped the Machu Picchu trek could raise a similar amount, or more.

Mr Brockway said he had begun altitude training in Austria recently, but this was his first group fundraising event ahead of his 2017 charity challenge.

“This is one of my favourite walks," he said on the weekend. "It amazes me how generous people are. They are so supportive. It’s hard work fundraising. They should be proud of what they have done – what they have achieved. The forecast was for sunshine and showers, but we’ve had more sunshine and less showers.”

Head of fundraising at Velindre, Andrew Morris said cancer centre was marking 60 years of making a difference to patients and their families and that all funds raised would go towards specialist nurses and equipment.

“We are delighted to have Derek and people like him involved,” he said.

Also joining the group on the walk was Holton Primary head teacher Andrew Gilbert, who said he wanted to support Mr Brockway as a past pupil of the site himself.

For information on Velindre Cancer Centre fundraising activities visit www.velindrefundraising.com

To sponsor Andrew Gilbert visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Gilbert2016

To sponsor Derek Brockway visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walkwiththeweathermanperu