Hitchhiker's guide ...Preston traveler's videos are a viral hit

Robert Lowe, 29, set off on his trek from Vietnam to Manchester a couple of months ago.

His blogs and videos went mostly unnoticed until his best pal Anthony Hardman, 28, intervened - and now they’ve gone viral.

The two mates grew up Fulwood and attended Archbishop Temple School on St Vincent’s Road.

Anthony, who now lives in Manchester and works as a set builder and scenic artist, decided to put the third of Robert’s five videos up online.

Its popularity went through the roof - the timing being crucial, said Anthony.

“Maybe it was because it was timed to an American audience,” he said. “I was monitoring it and it was just going up and up.

Robert’s people-orintated videos include him chatting with those he meets along the way and walking through snow in cloth shoes, for example.

Robert, who was travelling in the Alps on Wednesday, making his way to Munich, has limited wifi, but is getting feedback about the popularity of his trip.

“He messaged saying ‘what’s going on?’. He just can’t believe what’s happening.”

Robert’s journey will continue for the time being. Anthony said: “He has to be back for a wedding in September.”