A FUNDRAISER who set off from a Chester charity auction on a 300-mile challenge is hoping to raise lots for a good cause.

John Yates is currently walking his way from the city to his hometown of Plaistow, but in a twist, he is pulling a 50kg cart all the way.

He is doing so to raise awareness and money of animal welfare charity Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, which held its first auction at the Chester Military Museum – John's starting point.

The auction and art exhibition, titled Tails from the Field, saw Flog It! auctioneer Adam Partridge attend and featured pieces of art donated from around the UK and further afield, including two paintings by famed equine artist Laura Jeanne.

John, writing on his Justgiving page before he set off on the challenge, explained why he was raising money for Brooke.

He wrote: "By pulling a cart weighing approximately my own body weight over long distances, I am hoping to highlight the plight of working equines around the world, who are relied upon to transport water, heavy bricks, and people on a daily basis.

"Many of them will suffer from exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition as a result of excessive workloads and poor living conditions.

"Brooke works with owners and communities to ensure a better standard of welfare for these animals, through the training of local vets, farriers and harness makers.

"They also work with governments, organisations and policy makers to create sustainable changes that will have long term impacts on the lives of working equines."

John is expected to complete his challenge on Saturday, October 17, walking about 15 miles a day. The 50kg cart includes John's personal belongings, food, cooking equipment and converts into a bed at night.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/300-mile-cart-challenge.