Gunnislake resident Elaine Cantwell walks dogs for a living and along the way she has just raised £420 for her village hall.

Elaine regularly takes up the Conquerors Challenge, virtually walking well-known routes all over the world but rarely leaving the Tamar Valley.

As she knocks up the doggie miles, she raises money from her supporters and this time she has virtually walked from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.

Elaine explained that since covid and lockdowns she had virtually walked Hadrian’s Wall, the Ring of Kerry, Lejog, Mount Everest and is in the middle of (or half-way up) Mount Fuji.

Her third mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro is next on the list, followed by the Flower Route in the Netherlands and Yellowstone in America.

‘ I do it to keep active and motivated,’ she said. ‘It can be lonely with only a dog to talk to but this way I am mentally stimulated because I am doing it for somebody else to benefit.

‘And I have kept fit rather than putting on the lockdown calories’

For each walk she receives an impressive medal and along the way virtual postcards announce how far she has reached and the sights to enjoy along the way.

Gunnislake Village Hall committee members were very happy to receive her cheque recently in the midst of the newly-revived monthly Village Market in the hall.

Committee member Lorna Baker was able to report that the money will go towards a new exterior light over the front door, making the entrance safer in the evenings.

The market is held on the second Saturday of the month in the refurbished and newly-heated hall.

Stallholders include local businesses, charities and local organisations and the quality of their produce is drawing in the customers each month. Plus there’s the added attraction of freshly-prepared bacon baps and drinks.

The next market is on Saturday, March 12 from 10am to 12.30pm.