KEIGHLEY'S town mayor has completed a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity.

Councillor Luke Maunsell walked the 128-mile length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath in support of two causes – Dementia Friendly Keighley and the locally-based mental health organisation, It's Worth Talking About.

He set off from Liverpool on August 30, and finished the walk at around 5pm on Sunday – having averaged about 21 miles a day.

"The challenge proved harder than I thought it would – both physically and mentally," says Cllr Maunsell.

"From the long, lonely slogs for hours on end to hard-to-walk-on sections of towpath, this took everything I had to complete – and more.

"Yet, whilst this is undoubtedly a personal achievement, it is also – beyond anything – a collective one.

"Without the support of my family, friends, the amazing charities and this town, I would have given up after day two.

"Throughout the journey, I have seen how the brilliant people of this town rallied to the cause. I was kept updated with their kind words and the enormous donations they made despite these tough, economic times. This really pushed me on. Without this, the walk would have meant nothing. I can only extend the biggest, most heartfelt 'thank you' possible to everyone."

On the final stretch between Silsden and Leeds, he was accompanied by good friend Robert Payne.

Around 20 supporters gathered at Granby Lane in Riddlesden on Sunday morning to greet Cllr Maunsell as he passed through.

Members of It's Worth Talking About then walked with him to Bingley.

And he was joined by his uncle, Phil Maunsell, at Saltaire for the last section.

Cllr Maunsell launched a charity appeal for the two beneficiaries when he became mayor in May.

He set a £3,000 fundraising target for the walk. And whilst the final figure is still to be confirmed, the target looks set to be exceeded.

Donations can still be made at keighley.gov.uk/leeds-liverpool-canal-challenge.

"I did this huge mission for two excellent charities which deserve nothing but the utmost support," said Cllr Maunsell.

"Both Dementia Friendly Keighley and It's Worth Talking About do such an important job in our town in supporting those who need them."

For more about It's Worth Talking About, a volunteer-led peer support service with groups across the district, visit itsworthtalkingabout.org.

Further information about Dementia Friendly Keighley and its services can be found at dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk.