TEENAGER Jamie Leighton was so determined to take part in a 20-mile sponsored walk that he did it early.

The Dean Academy pupil is away on a school trip when the Purple Parade from Coleford to Gloucester takes place on Sunday, July 13.

Up to 100 paramedics and supporters are expected to take part in the walk for the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity.

The walk has been inspired by a colleague who has worked for the ambulance service in the Forest for the last 14 years and who has been hit by the illness.

Walkers will start from Coleford Ambulance Station at 6am with the route taking in Speech House Road to Cinderford, up St White's Hill and through Littledean, Elton and the A48 to Minsterworth to the centre of Gloucester.

Jamie completed the walk in a little more than six hours on Sunday having left Coleford at 6am.

His mum Claire said: "Jamie is away on a school trip  on July 13 but he wanted to make sure that he took part – I accompanied him for safety.

"The Purple Parade is a 20-mile parade of between 50 and 100 people wearing purple to raise awareness of and raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK."