CRICKET legend Ian Botham received a rousing reception from the people of Monmouth when he completed the first leg of his 210-mile charity walk for the Noah's Ark appeal last Friday.

In glorious sunshine, 'Beefy' and his entourage entered the town via the Wye Bridge just after 1pm before arriving to rapturous applause outside the Shire Hall. Ian was joined on the 18 and a half-mile trek from Chepstow by a handful of fellow sportsmen, as well as by members of the public who had raised the £1,000 needed to accompany the ex-England all-rounder.

Speaking as he approached the finish line, Ian said: "We've had a great response from the public. Today was a good start for us, not too tough!

Former Olympic long jump gold medallist Lyn Davies had a different opinion. He said: "The first few miles from Chepstow were hard work - it was a 1:4 gradient. Ian also sets a deceptive pace. He walks at about 4.5 miles per hour, so it's easy to fall behind."

Among those lining the streets were the children of the Wyesham Schools, who provided encouragement and colour for the last half-mile along Redbrook Road.

In addition to cheering and waving their banners, the pupils were keen to put their pocket money in the red buckets carried by another former England cricket captain, Mike Gatting, and former Welsh rugby union skipper Ieuan Evans.

Mike Gatting was clearly impressed by the children's generosity, saying: "The kids were brilliant! They put loads and loads of money in!"

Following a well-earned rest, Ian and his team set off from Agincourt Square on Saturday morning before covering the next 25 miles of the route to Abergavenny, via Mitchel Troy and Raglan.

By the time the team reach Rodney Parade in Newport on October 11, they hope to have raised more than £250,000 for the Noah's Ark appeal.