Two Black Country-born businessmen have returned from an 874-mile walk and raised tens of thousands of pounds.

Friends Nick Sanders and Mike Sanders set out on the trek from John O’Groats to Land’s End in May and are now back home.

The pair, who were both born in Walsall, have now raised at least £30,000 for good causes and are finishing off the fundraising with a black tie dinner in September.

Father-of-six Nick, aged 48, who now lives in Sutton Coldfield and works in private equity, said: “It all went well and we are really pleased we’ve done it.

“We found that we were much fitter towards the end and we weren’t getting blisters.”

The north of Scotland at the beginning of the trip was the toughest part of the challenge, Nick said.

“We weren’t very fit and we seemed to walk a long way and not really get anywhere on the map. It was physically and mentally the hardest.”

The tireless pair were assisted by Charlotte Orson, aged 35, of Park Hall, Walsall, their back-up driver.

The support and friendship they received from many people along the way made the journey easier, Nick added.

For tickets to the dinner at The Old School House, Weeford, near Lichfield, on September 12, call Charlotte on 075949 58269. The evening will include an auction and a disco.