AN ANDOVER pub landlord will start a year long barefoot challenge today. (Sunday 1 May)

Lunar Hare boss Allen Watts plans to spend 12 months barefoot as part of the Barefoot Challenge, which was created by the charity Giving Africa.

Last month he took the bold step towards committing to the fundraiser by tattooing the challenge logo to his foot.

Allen travelled to White Flame tattoo studio in Bournemouth to get the challenge logo, designed by The PD Group in Basingstoke, tattooed to his foot.

He said: “I did the tattoo as it shows how committed I am to the cause and it will remind me to just keep going.

“Also, it means I don’t have to explain every time someone looks at me like I am mad for not wearing shoes.”

The challenge will see Britons doing a range of activities without shoes and socks on July 1 and throughout the year to generate funds for some of the poorest children in the world.

Allen will start his challenge today, two months ahead of the official launch, to build awareness and get others involved in time for July 1.

He says he doesn't want to raise money himself, but wants people to sponsor him their time by going barefoot themselves for a period of time to raise money for the charity.

Organisers from the charity Giving Africa are appealing for more members of the public to join those who have already pledged to take part by visiting barefootchallenge.org.uk and paying a £5 fee by texting Barefoot to 70660.