A BOURTON pupil is walking 104 miles along the Cotswold Way in memory of her father who died last year.

Aisling Duggan, 15, who attends Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water came up with the idea to walk the Cotswold Way after a conversation with her headteacher Will Morgan.

Despite her father dying at the end of 2013 due to illness, Aisling bravely returned to school and thought about creating something positive out of her loss.

"When I mentioned my Dad, who was from London, had moved to the Cotswolds because of his love of the countryside, Mr Morgan suggested I walk the 104 mile long Cotswold Way, from Chipping Campden to Bath, and be sponsored on my journey," said Aisling.

The schoolgirl will be taking on the challenge with her uncle and her cousin and will set off on August 25.

She plans to give all her fundraising to the Cotswold School, hoping to raise money to pay for school trips.

"I think it's a very brave decision for Aisling to do this walk,' said her mother Fiona. "It gives her a chance to focus on something during this hard time. I'm very proud of her, and I know her Dad would be too."

Headteacher Will Morgan said it was Aisling's own maturity and personal strength that saw her come back to school and focus on her GCSE's.

"Aisling is setting a terrific example for her younger sisters and she is an immense credit to both her parents," he said. "She is an inspiration, not just to her peers, but to us all."

If you are able to sponsor Aisling on her walk call 01451 820554 and select option number three.