Lord Lieutenant Annie Maw's Jubilee Jaunt across Somerset

Annie Maw, the county's Lord Lieutenant, is embarking on the marathon in her wheelchair, which she has used since she broke her back in a horse riding accident 20 years ago.

She won't let her paraplegia get in the way when she sets off on the seven-day challenge on Sunday, April l3.

Each day she will be covering ten miles planned and escorted by young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Mrs Maw said: “My ambition is to celebrate the Queen’s 70 glorious years as our monarch and to dedicate this as a Somerset tribute to her on her Platinum Jubilee.

“I am very excited to be doing this with young people, and it seems right that they should be those participating in the scheme which was so close to the heart of Her Majesty' dear late husband.”

Most, though not all, of the route has already been planned.

It will start at Steart Marshes on April 3.

Day 2 will be along the old Chard-Ilminster railway line on May 9.

Day 3 will be in the Weston-super-Mare area on May 12.

Day 4 will be Portishead/Clevedon on May 18.

Day 5 will be along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal on May 23.

Day 6 will be a coastal jaunt in the Minehead area on July 9.

And the final day will be an Exmoor excursion on July 23.

Deputy Lieutenant Chris Davies, who is organising the adventure, said the Jubilee Jaunt was an ideal way to show what the monarchy means to the people of Somerset.

He said: “I hope people will turn out on each of the legs of the journey to support our Lord Lieutenant.

"For logistical reasons it won’t be possible to take other members of the public along the route, but it will be lovely if people could cheer her along the way.

"This is a special year for Her Majesty and we want this to be a special event.”

More details of the route will be announced once they are finalised.

For guidance on planning and registering events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, visit www.platinumjubileesomerset.org.uk