A GROUP of scouting enthusiasts are preparing for an endurance challenge to give generations of youngsters from a deprived area the chance of a summer holiday.

Mark Hunt, assistant district scout commissioner, scout leaders Kevin Scollay and Stephen Day and Malcolm Gutcher, Mr Hunt's brother-in-law, are to cycle 300 miles along the Pennine Way, in a bid to raise between £5,000 and £8,000 in sponsorship.

Matched with a £5,000 legacy already left to Redcar and Eston District Scouts, it is hoped the money will be enough to transform the basic district camp site at Ingleby Greenhow.

The site is presently served by two dilapidated cabins, which caters for 397 young people ranging from beavers and cubs to scouts and explorers, 63 leaders and 34 helpers.

Funeral director Mr Hunt hopes the mountain bike marathon, planned for later this month, will see the campsite provided with a fitted kitchen, bunk beds, a classroom and generators for lighting.

"We live in a deprived area where a lot don't get a lot.

"This is to give kids the opportunity to get out and try things out; hopefully to try and instil respect for other people, to physically and mentally bring them on and to improve their self esteem."

Boro Bikes, on Middlesbrough's Borough Road, are lending the four riders mountain bikes, and the Green Tyre Company is providing the group with tyres.

Mr Hunt said the group is aiming to cover 50 miles a day, which it has covered while out training on their bikes.

"Much depends on the weather and terrain. We are hoping to complete the ride in seven days, maybe nine," added 43-year-old Mr Hunt.

Referring to the legacy bequeathed to the district, Mr Hunt said: "If we can raise that little bit extra and hopefully get these buildings in place for the summer of this year, kids now and in generations to come, are going to benefit.

"We are putting out a lot of letters to a lot of companies, asking for sponsorship and are waiting to see what response we get from them."

Mr Hunt and fellow scouting enthusiasts raised about £2,500 for scout funds in a sponsored coast to coast walk, last year.

The district scout web site is at www-cira.tees.ac.uk/scouts/redcestn