A STUDENT is swapping his books for some hiking books in preparation of a charity trek...to Aberdeen.

Mike Convery, 19, will spend three weeks on the road travelling to the Scottish city in a bid to raise cash for the National Autistic Society.

And it is part of his wider plan to raise �2,850 for the charity by doing a trek in Nepal next year.

“I had something like this in mind for a while, even before I signed up for the trek in Nepal. I need to raise some more money for that, so I though ‘why not incorporate it into my fundraising’.

“Walking to Aberdeen will actually be more difficult than the trek in Nepal.”

On his choice of charity, he added: “I know a lot of people who are autistic or have associated disorders. The National Autistic Society provides fantastic support to those with the condition.”

Mike, who picked out Aberdeen for no other reason other than it is the most north-east city in the UK, will be joined in the first week by his former County High School mates Chris Ralph and Sam Wilmott. The 19-year-olds set off today (Saturday) and will camp out each night along the way.

Mike, a second year geology student at Leicester University, will then spend a week on his own, before meeting up with other friends for the final leg of the journey.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of it,” said Mike. “But whatever happens I am definitely not walking back!”

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit justgiving.com/michaelconvery