THREE pals bridged the north south divide as they made the journey from Grenfell Tower to Manchester Arena to help those affected by the horrific fire and bomb attack.

Bolton School sixth formers, Stewart Knights, Nikolaii Stewart and Adam Critchlow, have completed their 200 mile trek which they embarked on a week ago last Sunday to raise money for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund and the Grenfell Tower Emergency Fund.

The A-level students completed the walk at 4pm on Friday.

The trio — who all live in and around Bolton — were without a support team and carried their three man tent and food with them as they walked.

They had one night in an inn and camped for the rest of the time.

Stewart said: "It went really well, we really outdid ourselves by walking 40 miles a day.

"The first few days we were getting into the rhythm but after that we were fine.

"I must admit the hardest part was finding time for everything, eating, sleeping, walking and promoting the walk as were were on a strict 12 to 14 hour schedule which meant that there wasn't really much room for doing other things than walking."

He added: "It was harder than we thought. Whilst we got into the rhythm, it was mentally and physically straining to maintain that rhythm over a six day period as we had to meet all our deadlines."

The trio were also interviewed on local radio.

Stewart said: "My feet were aching beyond belief once I got home and I still have ankle problems."

The group witnessed the scale of the tragedies.

Stewart said: "It was extremely emotional. Seeing Grenfell on the news and in real life are two different things.

"It is surreal, you can't imagine it being as powerful as that.

"The same went for Manchester as it was like finally coming home and doing the city proud.

"The money was key in keeping us going, whilst the donations came in we felt a real drive to finish the trek and complete our challenge.We have raised £2,000 and people can still donate until January."

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/londonmanchester2