TWO friends are planning the trip of a lifetime - when they step out for charity along the Great Wall of China.

Kirstie Wilson and Nicky Harland plan to cover a 150-mile stretch that will take six days of walking up and down steep steps and along uneven paths..

The pair are both senior support officers at North Yorkshire Police’s headquarters at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, and are already very active people - Nicky is a keen runner and Kirstie is a competitive horse rider.

Their training is already well under way but from mid-July they will have to start walking 40 miles a week and hill climbs are a necessary part of the training regime.

Walking with them in China will be a doctor to make sure they stay in good health and also a trek leader. They will stay in camps and in local guest houses.

"As long as there is food and a place to sleep we will be in heaven," said Kirstie.

The inspiration behind the walk comes from the film The Bucket List, where two terminally-ill men try to complete a list of things to do before they die.

Both Nicky and Kirstie realised that seeing the Great Wall was on both of their lists, and decided to walk for two charities.

Nicky is walking for Arthritis Research Campaign and Kirstie for Jubilee Sailing Trust. They have a target of £5,000 which they will split between the charities.

And they plan to end their trek with a flourish - wearing red stilettos, inspired by their red hair and love of shoes.

To sponsor either contact Kirstie Wilson on 07709 314 341.