EFFORTS to raise funds to help local children has been hit by tragedy.

But the death of a family member will not be allowed to affect plans for a sponsored 300-mile cycle ride to raise cash for a Scout camp for nearly 400 young people.

Assistant Redcar and Eston District Scout commissioner Mark Hunt said a ride along the Pennine Way would go ahead this week.

The recent death of Janet Scolley, his sister-in-law from Redcar, east Cleveland, means there will be only he and Scout leader Stephen Day taking part.

Mrs Scolley's son, Kevin, and brother, Malcolm Gutcher, have both dropped out following the tragedy.

Mr Hunt said: "We are hoping to set off on Thursday of this week. The death has been devastating for the family, but Janet would have wanted it to go on.''

The four had aimed to raise between £5,000 and £8,000 in sponsorship.

This, matched with a £5,000 legacy left to Redcar and Eston District Scouts, would help equip a campsite at Ingleby Greenhow, North Yorkshire, with a fitted kitchen, bunk beds, a classroom and generators.

Mr Hunt said that children now and in generations to come would benefit from the upgraded camp.

Details are available on the district website at www-circa. tees. ac. uk/uk/ scouts/redcest