AN energetic grandmother is proving she has her own cross to bear by walking from John O' Groats to Land's End with a 10ft wooden crucifix on her shoulder.

Mary Crisp strode through Worcester yesterday on her journey to raise money for Ugandan Aids orphans.

The 60-year-old will walk 1,000 miles in total, carrying the 9kg cross.

"I get a lots of pips and whoops from drivers," she said. "I'm doing this in aid of children who are orphaned in Uganda because of Aids. I feel a burn in my heart and want to help these chidden."

Mrs Crisp, who has five children and 10 grandchildren, was invited into a Kidderminster home for a cup of tea.

"I also helped a lad when I was about six miles from Worcester as he'd lost his mobile phone," said Mrs Crisp, from Penrith, Cumbria.

"I love Worcester. It's the first time I've been here. It makes me home sick because it reminds me of Cumbria."

Mrs Crisp, who is a member of the Swallow Evangelistic Project and leader of the orphan sponsorship programme, hopes to arrive in Land's End on Friday, November 9.

Anyone wishing to sponsor her can contact her on 0798 0852414.