Nigel Deller, the Perranporth Methodist Minister, has just returned home from taking part in a sponsored walk along part of the Great Wall of China.

The trek was in aid of Release International which supports persecuted Christians in many countries around the world.

The walk of about 30 miles, from September 8-17, was along a steep and dilapidated part of the wall which isn't normally open to tourists and involved reaching a part of the wall on a mountain just over 3,000' high. Nigel took a St Piran's flag with him to show his Cornish sponsors he had really got there.

Nigel said: "We camped for four nights while we walked and were able to see something of life in rural China. We also had an opportunity to meet about 40 Chinese Christians - mainly young students - when we worshipped in a park in Beijing. There were a part of the underground' unofficial church which is harassed by the authorities and it was an amazing and humbling experience being with them. The aim is for 25 of us to raise about £45,000 for Release International."

Nigel has raised over £3000 so far and if anyone wants to sponsor him cheques made out to Release International can be sent to 24 Tredinnick Way, Perranporth, TR6 0EG. He can also provide Gift Aid forms.