A Braintree man has had to take a break from a trip around Europe after running into difficulties.

Jimmy Monk, 36, has taken his Bedford 500 coach through more than nine countries raising money for the Great Notley Parc charity.

The Parc project was started by a group of parents who had children with disabilities.

Braintree Council and Countryside Properties have provided a site for the project at the Great Notley Country Park.

Mr Monk's trip has already taken him through Holland, Belgium. France, Spain, Gibraltar, Switzerland and Italy.

After a month in the UK, he will venture to Wales, Scotland and Ireland before returning to mainland Europe to complete his journey.

He said: "My travelling partner had to return to the UK, so I've taken the opportunity to get the bus looked at and take care of a few other things."

Published Friday January 16, 2004

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