A GROUP of Scouting enthusiasts is preparing for a challenge to raise money to upgrade the district camp site.

Mark Hunt, assistant district Scout commissioner, his brother-in-law Malcolm Gutcher, and Scout leaders Kevin Scollay and Stephen Day are to cycle 300 miles along the Pennine Way later this month.

They aim to raise between £5,000 and £8,000 in sponsorship. This will be matched with a £5,000 legacy left to Redcar and Eston District Scouts.

The money will help revamp the site at Ingleby Greenhow, North Yorkshire, creating a fitted kitchen, bunk beds, a classroom and generators for lighting.

At present, the site has two dilapidated cabins and can cater for 397 young people, leaders and helpers.

Mr Hunt said: "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 and hopefully to try to instil respect for other people, to physically and mentally bring them on and improve their self-esteem.''

Boro Bikes, in Borough Road, Middlesbrough, is loaning mountain bikes for the Pennine Way challenge.

The Green Tyre Company is providing tyres.

"We aim to cover 50 miles a day,'' said Mr Hunt, 43. "Much depends on the weather and terrain. We are hoping to complete the ride in seven days, maybe nine.''

"If we can raise that little bit extra, and hopefully get these buildings in place for the summer of this year, children now and in generations to come are going to benefit.

"We have been 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,'' he added.

Mr Hunt led a group that raised about £2,500 for Scout funds in a sponsored coast to coast walk, last year.

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