HAMPSHIRE explorer John Pilkington is to give a fundraising talk on the theme ‘A Balkan Adventure’ next week.

He will speak about his epic 2,500-mile trip from Trieste to Istanbul in 2013.

The four-month odyssey took the former county council planner through war-torn Bosnia and Serbia, where he skirted the last of Europe’s minefields.

The proceeds of ticket sales will go to Southampton and Winchester Visitors’ Group.

The service helps out asylum seekers living locally, and Mr Pilkington is a patron of the group.

The talk starts at 7pm on Tuesday, October 21, at St Andrew’s Church, The Avenue, Southampton.

Tickets for the fundraising event cost £10.

To book your place, call 0750 3176350 or email admin@swvg-refugees.org.uk.