It is a peculiar tradition that dates back to 1672 and was used to mark the borders of Beccles.

Now the so-called 'Beating of the Bounds' is to be revived as mayor Barry Darch and his wife Faith take on the six-mile hike for charity on April 22.

The Beccles Townlands Trust has a record of the custom dating to 1672.

It involves swatting local landmarks with branches to maintain a mental map of parish boundaries.

In 1849, the then mayor of Beccles beat the bounds and held a celebration ball at the Assembly Rooms, now the Public Hall.

And in 1947, veteran mayor Alderman E.J. Hindes carried out the custom.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Mayor Barry Darch (front left) taking part in a blind walk for charityMayor Barry Darch (front left) taking part in a blind walk for charity (Image: Observatory the Opticians)

Today’s civic couple will start at the town's sailing club, and undertake the first part of the route by boat along the River Waveney, which forms the parish boundary with Gillingham.

Disembarking in Puddingmoor, they will walk up Hollow Way Hill - known as Hangman’s Lane - which separates Beccles from Barsham.

Then they will trace the boundary with Ringsfield, Weston, and Worlingham before returning to their starting point.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Mayor Barry Darch and his wife Faith are seeking sponsors for their 6 mile journey for charityMayor Barry Darch and his wife Faith are seeking sponsors for their 6 mile journey for charity (Image: R. Henderson)

READ MORE: Town Council seats up for election

Mr Darch is using the ceremony as a chance to fundraise for his mayoral charity of the year - the Beccles Community Hub and Volunteer Centre in Blyburgate.

Mr Darch said: "The Hub is a great source of support to many people in the town, and it provides a variety of opportunities for volunteering."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Councillor Caroline Topping who launched the community hub and Charlie Nevitt who owns the buildingCouncillor Caroline Topping who launched the community hub and Charlie Nevitt who owns the building (Image: Archant)

Mr Darch will also host a 'historic walk' on April 1, starting at the Common car park, at the end of Common Lane South, at 10am.

Another fundraiser will be ‘Muffins with the Mayor’, in the historic chamber of the Town Hall, on April 3, at 3.30pm.

To sponsor the Beating of the Bounds or book a place for the historic walk (£5) or tea in the chamber (£7), email barry@darch.plus.com.