A NEW charity walking challenge spanning the UK will be launched today. The Great Big Walk, supported by comedian Jo Brand, will see five teams “connecting people” and celebrating community.

Setting off from Batley in West Yorkshire, where Jo Cox was MP, the walkers will head home in time to join The Big Lunch as the highlight of The Great Get Together inspired by the Labour politician. The weekend of events from June 16 to 18 will mark the first anniversary of her death.

Stops in Scotland include Dumfries, Fenwick, Rutherglen and Linlithgow.

Syrian charity volunteer Yaman Shalaan, who is involved with the Refuweegee welcome initiative for asylum seekers in Glasgow, is amongst those taking part.