A weekly newspaper editor has pledged to walk 60 miles in aid of his local hospital.

Paul Jones, who edits the Somerset County Gazette, has made the promise as part of a drive to help NHS staff and patients at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

The County Gazette has been supporting the hospital’s charity Love Musgrove’s COVID-19 Appeal since the beginning of April.

Now Paul, pictured, has taken his support one step further by launching his own challenge for the cause.

He said: “I was raised in an NHS family – my mum was a nurse, midwife and health visitor who retired last year after more than 40 years – so I am hugely conscious of the sacrifices staff make to care for all of us.

“So Miles For Musgrove felt like something I could take part in, even with the limited time I have when editing the newspaper.

“And it will mean I get active again, to some extent.

“I just hope I can complete the 60 miles, as with two young children – as all parents will know – I inevitably end up carrying a little one when out for a walk.”