RICHARD BATSON Former Norwich City footballer Craig Fleming switched from the pitch to the lanes and paths of Norfolk yesterday as he set about chasing a close-season goal.

RICHARD BATSON

Former Norwich City footballer Craig Fleming switched from the pitch to the lanes and paths of Norfolk yesterday as he set about chasing a close-season goal.

The Canaries' longest-serving club captain, who finished his testimonial season at relegated Rotherham, began a 230-mile Hike and Bike challenge, which aims to raise £20,000 for two local charities - RadioBroadlandKids and the Matthew Project.

The week-long marathon of cycling and walking, which has already passed £8,000 in pledges, will see him finish at Norwich's Chapelfield Plain on Sunday afternoon, after dropping into a series of supporting schools along the way.

Yesterday, Craig, with another Canary favourite Jerry Goss for company, cycled from Norwich to Cromer then walked on to Weybourne along the coast.

Today he heads to King's Lynn, before striking off to Thetford, Harleston, Beccles, Lowestoft and Yarmouth.

It means the 35-year-old, who still has a family home in the county, will miss the FA Cup final, but having been scarred by losing to Manchester United in the 1994 semi-final, while playing for Oldham, he said he was not too bothered.

Despite being hampered by spells of driving wind and rain early on the first day, Craig was upbeat about progress so far.

"My backside is a bit sore but it has been enjoyable and we have been seeing lots of hidden Norfolk," he said taking a breather at Cromer church.

"Tomorrow I have got Bryan Gunn with me, so we will probably be going a bit slower," he joked.

To make donations to Craig's cause visit www.radiobroadland.co.uk