An RSPCA officer is swapping his inspectorate uniform for his running shorts - as he looks to chalk-up a 590-mile lap of South Wales to raise funds for animals in need.

David Milborrow - who has been on the frontline for the RSPCA since 2014 - is running an entire lap of South Wales, and hopes to have completed his on-foot tour of the region by the end of 2021.

The RSPCA officer, however, faces “huge logistical challenges” - as he wants to run the entire course of South Wales in stages, and will need to return to his home in Crickhowell between runs.

Inspector Milborrow was motivated to take on the challenge after a “really tough” winter for South Wales’ wildlife - and hopes his efforts will help raise vital funds that will help the region’s hedgehogs, wild birds and other wildlife.

The ambitious runner already completed the first 22 miles of his journey on April 10 - starting at the RSPCA Cymru HQ in Cardiff; and taking in sights such as the Principality-sponsored Millennium Stadium, and Cardiff Bay, as he began the epic journey.

The circuit stretches from Newport in the south-east, all the way to Knighton, Aberystwyth, St. David’s in Pembrokeshire and back; as the RSPCA officer aims to complete a full loop of the bottom half of Wales.

David said: “After so long in lockdown, it’s an exciting but daunting prospect to be planning a 590-mile lap of South Wales!

“I want to start each run where I left off - so there’ll be some huge logistical challenges too; as I’ll sometimes need to head back to Crickhowell between runs!

“Although I’m hoping to book some time off and find some accommodation along the route too.

“Winter this year was really tough for Wales’ wildlife - and my inspectorate colleagues and I often dealt with troubled wild birds, hedgehogs and other animals. I wanted to raise money to help support our work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife, in particular.

“I’ve been overwhelmed already by people’s generosity - and I’d be so grateful for any donations, which will help keep a spring in my step as I aim to run right around South Wales - from Newport, to Knighton, Aberystwyth, St. David’s and back to my starting point, at RSPCA Cymru HQ in Cardiff.”

Supporters can donate to the fundraising effort via the JustGiving platform, or follow David’s progress - including regular photo and video updates - via his dedicated Facebook page, ‘Dave’s South Wales Circuit for RSPCA’.