An Oxford vicar is swapping his place in the pulpit to walk 500 miles across Spain to raise money for a drop-in centre for the homeless.

The Rev Andrew Bunch, the vicar of St Giles and St Margaret's, is taking a break from parish duties to tackle the challenge.

Mr Bunch, who is chairman of the Gatehouse centre, in St Michael's Street, is making the pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela.

He is seeking sponsorship for the six-week walk, which will raise money for the homelessness project and other vulnerable people. He hopes to raise at least £1 a mile.

Mr Bunch, who trained with his red setter dog Thea, said his efforts should result in a much-needed financial boost for the centre.

He is setting off tomorrow and added: "It will be quite a challenge for me to complete this walk, but it's a very good way of raising funds for the Gatehouse.

"I have been on other pilgrimages before, to Lindisfarne and St Michael's Mount, but this is the first time I have taken part in one abroad.

"There will be 2,000 people doing the pilgrimage and I will set off with about 20 people."

The café has been operating from the basement of the Northgate Hall since 1991, but will soon be looking for a new home, as its current landlords have other plans for the building.

Project director Andrew Smith said: "The city council have promised not to put us on to the street, and we are hoping that this will be a new opportunity to develop our services.

"We are currently seeing an average of 80 people, six nights a week, giving them basic food and drink. But even more importantly, we give them a way back into mainstream society."

The Gatehouse receives financial support from Oxford City Council, OxPAT and many local church, college and school groups.

It also receives help from city centre food stores and restaurants, but has been experiencing a shortfall in funding in recent years, according to Mr Bunch.

It offers the homeless sandwiches, cake, tea, coffee, fruit and home-made soup in winter, free of charge.

There are also newspapers, access to the Internet, secondhand clothes and a regular art group.

Support is provided by more than 200 volunteers, and 35 food preparation groups.

Those wishing to support Mr Bunch should email admin@oxfordgatehouse.org or call 01865 792999.