VALE fund-raisers are pulling out all the stops to support Ian 'Beefy' Botham's famous walk through Wales.

The seasoned charity fund-raiser is trekking through the Principality in a bid to raise £250,000 as part of the Noah's Ark Appeal which hopes to fund the first children's hospital in Wales.

Ian's walk is split into nine stages, each averaging 26 miles, and the cricketing legend is covering an estimated 229 miles.

It includes a large area of the Vale.

Leaving Bridgend on Friday, Ian will walk through Cowbridge and continue along the A48 to Culverhouse Cross before turning on to the A4050 towards Barry.

His route through the town includes Colcot Road, Jenner Road, Park Crescent, High Street and Broad Street before arriving at the leisure centre.

He will attend a Press conference at Barry Leisure Centre at 8.30am on April 27 to receive cheques from the top Vale fund-raisers, and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Ian will then head for Cardiff via Holton Road, Barry, Sully, Lavernock and Penarth. Fund-raising events in the Vale in support of the appeal have included a sponsored indoor row by Lifestyle assistant Gareth Green and Lifestyle member David Noble at the Barry Leisure Centre.

During their seven-and-a-half hour session, the pair covered 63 miles and raised more than £500.

Other fund-raising highlights are: Barry Lifestyle members Julie Martin and Carol Farr have cycled 56kms each over 10 days and raised more than £200. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is holding a 'Dress Down Day' tomorrow, Friday, April 26.