Ex-mayor halfway through 500-mile wheelchair trek

Former Truro mayor Steven Webb is raising money for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust

Former Truro mayor Steven Webb says he has endured "relentless" terrain on his journey around Cornwall in an electric wheelchair.

Steven Webb, who was paralysed after a diving accident when he was 18, set off on the 500-mile (805km) journey on 1 September to raise funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.

Mr Webb said he was about halfway through the expected 20-day challenge.

He admitted the journey had been harder than he thought after his wheelchair broke earlier this week.

Mr Webb started his challenge on 1 September in Truro

He resumed his challenge at Port Isaac on Friday.

"In the north coast I didn't expect the wind to be quite so bad," he said.

"The roads are rougher than expected.

"I knew Cornwall had hills but I didn't know they were minor mountains, they're relentless."

'So valuable'

Mr Webb said he focuses on travelling through the countryside with a clear mind as a way of getting through the challenge.

He said many people had approached him telling them how the air ambulance had helped their friends and relatives in times of need.

"It's so valuable being told these stories," he added.