A FORMER Worcestershire schoolboy has set off on a tour of livestock markets across the UK to raise money for farming charities.

Jack Walton, who was head boy last year at Hanley Castle High School, plans to visit 25 livestock markets in six weeks.

He started at Dingwall Livestock Market in Scotland and will travel to Truro Livestock Market, Cornwall with stops at markets in Stirling, Acklington, Longtown, Worcester and Hereford on the way.

The idea is to raise money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the RSABI (formerly known as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution), which both help support farming communities in times of financial difficulty.

At each market he will set up a display about the charities and his sponsors and is hoping to auction a pen of sheep with the market’s commission for that pen being donated to the fund.

In addition he will have collection buckets.

Jack set off last month and has already visited Dingwall, Forfar, Stirling, Hexham, Shrewsbury, Kington and Knighton and St Boswells.

He is blogging about his journey at https://youngfarmerblog.wordpress.com/

Jack said: “For as long as I can remember I have loved attending livestock markets with my grandfather Michael Walton, I was always itching to have a go on the rostrum.

"I have been lucky enough to help at Worcester Livestock Market for the last three years where I have learnt many skills.”

He has already secured sponsorship for his journey from the Three Counties Agricultural Society.

CEO, Ken Nottage said: "This is a fantastic and unique idea to raise money for charities which are also close to our hearts at Three Counties and that is one reason why we are keen to support Jack.

"The other reason is that over the years Jack has become a valuable asset to Three Counties, helping out at many of our shows including our flagship Royal Three Counties Show - so we know first-hand that Jack is a remarkable young man who has not only had a good idea, but he’s also got the get up and go to actually make it happen.

"We wish Jack every success on his journey."

On his return, Jack hopes to secure a place to the Royal Agricultural University to study Rural Land Management, with the aim of fulfilling his dream to become a professional auctioneer.

Anyone who can help with sponsorship is asked to contact Jack Walton at hanleysuffolks@gmail.com or donate via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JacksLivestockMarketJourney