A LONE Territorial Army volunteer soldier walked from Exmouth to Weymouth at the weekend, on a sponsored Clock to Clock Walk.

A LONE Territorial Army volunteer soldier walked from Exmouth to Weymouth at the weekend, on a sponsored Clock to Clock Walk.

At Sidmouth the part-time soldier and full-time student, Rifleman Luke Dulaic, was given five star treatment by members of Sidmouth branch of the Royal British Legion, when its chairman, Dave O'Connor and four other members supplied him with fruit and water and a deckchair to rest his feet before he set off for an overnight stop in Lyme Regis.

Luke, 34, from 6th Battalion of the Rifles, had been set to lead a dozen or so TA soldiers on the 57-mile walk, but, said Dave: "He said some of the guys were on standby for Afghanistan and didn't want to do the march in case they damaged themselves."

Although he was left holding enough fruit to feed 20 walkers, Dave was not disappointed only Luke took part in the walk.

"At least someone was trying to do something. I take my hat off to him. If you go with a group of guys on a hike like that it is quite nice, but it's not much fun on your own. It is shame the others dropped out."

Chairman of Exmouth Royal British Legion, Tom Harvey-May, said: "Luke took this opportunity to complete a sponsored walk in order to show his support for his comrades who have during the course of their duty, been wounded while serving in Afghanistan.

"His dedication will surely give them heart, knowing that such men exist and are prepared to study all day, train for a long sponsored walk at night and then train with the TA on most weekends."

He said Luke had completed the walk in just over 18 hours instead of the 24 estimated.

"He left at 6am and I gave him a good send off with a good breakfast," said Mr Harvey-May.

"Seaton and Beer were busy with tourists and they gave him a great round of applause as he came onto the seafront.

"He is a part time soldier and a full time student and he has our respect and our gratitude for this resolve."

Money raised by Luke's walk will go to the RBL, Help for Heroes and the Rifles own Benevolent Fund.