HE’S been run over by a horse, helped rescue a dog from a cliff and walked the equivalent of Taunton to John O’Groats – twice.

But after 30 years leading the All Saints Strollers on their monthly walks, Don Archer, 73, is not quite ready to hang up his hiking boots.

The former social worker from Trull started a weekly walking club in 1984 with the then rector of All Saints’ Church, the Rev John Prior, to help fellow parishioners get out and explore the local countryside.

Last month, the group completed its 313th walk, clocking up 1,500 miles on routes from the Blackdowns to Exmoor.

With an average of 15 people on each five-mile hike, the All Saints’ Strollers have, in relay fashion, walked halfway around the world.

This week, members took a rather shorter stroll to All Saints’ parish hall for a special celebration led by the rector, the Rev Dr Adrian Youings.

He presented Don with an inscribed silver salver donated by The Strollers past and present together with a book token for £100 and a walking stick made by one of The Strollers.

Don’s wife, Margaret, was presented with a beautiful basket of flowers.

Afterwards, Don said he still planned to put his best foot forward: “I’m downsizing to a two-mile walk which is a little easier but still as much fun,” he explained.

He has used local guide books as well as his own knowledge to plan the weekly routes.

“We have walked in all weathers and in 30 years, we have only had to cancel once because conditions were so atrocious.

“One time we met some horse riders going on a hunt. One of the animals was a bit excited and somehow managed to knock me over.

“Another time at Watchet, one of the walkers’ dogs fell off the cliff and everyone helped rescue the poor thing.

“We always end each walk with a good pub lunch and I have to say, we have always been treated well by the owners.

“We have made some really good friendships over the years and got to see Somerset’s beautiful countryside at its best.”

Following the presentations, various Strollers gave accounts of how much they had enjoyed the walks beginning with John Close, who was a Stroller with Don at the inception of the group in 1984.

While Don is retiring from organising The Strollers in future, various members have agreed to lead walks each month so the strolling tradition will continue.