LAST year 11-year-old Cobus McCarthy studied the Romans at school - now he is retracing 84 miles' worth of their ancient steps as part of a fundraising walk.

Accompanied by dad Neale, the Pentrepoeth primary school, Rhiwderin, pupil is walking the length of Hadrian's Wall, from Wallsend in the east, to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

"He's been talking about joining the Army, and I thought doing something like this would be good for his CV if that's what he eventually decides to do. And they learned about the Romans at school, so it's interesting from that point of view," said Mr McCarthy.

"The air ambulance is a really good cause and hopefully we can raise a good amount for that too."

He and Cobus, a chorister in the Newport Cathedral Choir, who also plays football for Graig under-11s, are currently in the middle of their trek.