A RAF serviceman’s attempt to break records by walking Hadrian’s Wall in three-and-a-half days with his pet ferret has begun.

Ipswich Star: Charlie and his girlfriend Isobel McAuliffe with Bandit at the Angel of the North. Picture: CHARLIE HAMMERTONCharlie and his girlfriend Isobel McAuliffe with Bandit at the Angel of the North. Picture: CHARLIE HAMMERTON (Image: Archant)

Charlie Hammerton, from Ipswich, lost his mother Jan a month ago – she died in March after battling motor neurone disease.

Now the 22-year-old is in the middle of walking the 73-mile stretch to raise cash for St Elizabeth Hospice, who cared for her.

He arrived at Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend over the weekend, and he is rapidly making progress with Bandit the ferret in tow.

The pair earned some extra support from fellow ferret owners on Monday as two men also hoping to break the record posed for a photo with him at the fort.

“It was a bit of a hectic journey up here but I’m glad we’re here now,” Charlie said.

“Bandit has been asleep for the past two hours but I’m sure he’ll be awake and alert for the rest of the walk we’re hoping to complete today.

“It was great to see other people with ferrets this morning and Bandit enjoyed meeting them.”

Click here to follow Charlie and Bandit on their journey.