HORSE racing legend Bob Champion came to the Valleys at the weekend to give his backing to a charity walk.

The former jump jockey, who is best known for winning the Grand National on Aldaniti in 1981 after battling cancer, braved the drizzle to come to the Welfare Park at Brynmawr.

Around 300 people were gathered at the park to begin a 13-mile walk called Steppin' The Valleys.

The Brynmawr Town Centre Partnership, which organised the walk and all the entertainment at the weekend's summer festival in the town, hope several thousand pounds will be raised for the various cancer charities they are supporting - including the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Money will also be going to the Orchid Trust and the Breast unit at Nevill Hall hospital in Abergavenny.

Mr Champion, who was only given eight months to live when diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979, said: "At the trust, research is going well and the scientists seem to be coming up with encouraging results all the time.

"Even so it's the sort of thing we need to keep working on in order to maintain the improvements in cancer drugs and treatment. "That's why events like today are so important."

Kathy Higgs, 17, from Clydach and her friend Johanna Humphrys, also 17, of Nantyglo, were among those taking part in the walk and have raised around £160 between them.

Ms Higgs said: "I'm taking part because my aunt has been given two months to live because of cancer and she is only 42.

"Come rain or shine, hell or high water or even a broken leg, I will finish this walk today."

The walk was officially started by Wayne Hodgins, the owner of Hodge Distribution, who was crowned Brynmawr Citizen of the Year earlier this year on account of his voluntary work.