A TEAM of advertising sales staff are swapping their headsets for training sessions as they take part in the Office to Athlete Charity Challenge.

The ten members of The Northern Echo staff have already started their gym regime and are aiming to raise as much money as possible for St Teresa’s Hospice.

With one month to go before they all face off against each other – the team is already starting to get into shape with the help of personal trainers from Darlington-based fitness company Boxfit and Foxfit Health Club.

On Saturday, July 15, they will go head-to-head in a number of challenges ranging from the longest plank to sprints on trampet, and to the most punches in one minute and the most press-ups in a two minute session.

Amy Cooke, a multi-media telesales executive, said: “The thought of going in to a new gym where I don’t know anyone or the area was a little bit daunting even though I’m not a shy person but when I got there I couldn’t of felt more welcome.

“When I came in I was greeted and given an induction, where I was given a demonstration of the different machines and showed us around. We went on to do a little bit of training to ease us in ready for our 1-2-1 session. They made me feel part of the team.”

As well as the fitness challenge, there is also going to be entertainment for the family including face painting, bouncy castle, tombola’s, ice cream vans and much more.

Everyone is invited to go along to the fundraising day at the gym on Banks Road, Darlington, from 11am.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should visit darlingtonhospice.org.uk and anyone wanting to donate prizes for the fundraiser can drop them off at The Northern Echo reception on Priestgate, Darlington.