Round Britain Fred hits the road

Fred Howells is including Ireland on his route for the first time

A grandfather from Neath has got behind the wheel for a nine-day drive around Britain and Ireland.

Fred Howells, 70, known to friends as Round Britain Fred, aims to raise £5,000 for the children's charity NCH Cymru by doing the whistle-stop tour.

It is the 18th time he has taken on the challenge - although the first time Ireland is included on the route.

He left the Swansea Valley on Friday evening and plans to be back home in time for tea a week on Sunday.

His journey will take him to Pembrokeshire, Dublin, Cork, Holyhead, Warrington, John O' Groats, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Norwich and Land's End.

The retired support worker says he finds driving a pleasure and if he hits his fundraising target it will see him break the £50,000 barrier since his first trip in 1978.

Thanks to business sponsorship he does not need to worry about petrol bills or accommodation.

He will be a guest at several five-star hotels for free.

"I love driving," he explained.

"What's good about it is I'm getting some wonderful sponsorship from business people."

He lived in Ireland for four years and is looking forward to returning.

He also hopes to catch up with friends in England and Scotland he has met on previous adventures.

He will be followed on his route by local rhythm and blues duo Gary and Taff who will be performing at venues along the way to boost funds.

Friends and family have organised a prize draw to guess how many miles he clocks up.

Sarah MacCallum of NHC Cymru said the charity was very grateful to Fred and his team.