SISTERS Janine and Gail Smith are relying on horse power to raise funds for the Daisy Chain charity.

Janine, who is office manager with alternative energy solutions organisation Renew Tees Valley, and her sister aim to complete the Coast to Coast on horseback.

Daisy Chain provides respite care for families affected by autism.

Janine said: "This is something we have wanted to do for as long as I can remember.

"When I visited the Daisy Chain Centre, in Norton, I wanted to help. I felt this was our chance to realise what had always been a dream.

"My sister and I will be riding my horse Asti and her horse Byter, and have asked a friend to provide back-up.''

The sisters will ride from St Bees, in Cumbria, to Langwathy at the furthest point on the west coast.

Janine said: "We are hoping to persuade someone to take the horses over to Whitehaven on Saturday, June 11.

"We will then set out for home on Sunday, June 12, allowing five to six days to get back to Redcar as the finishing point."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Janine can get in touch with her at Renew Tees Valley on (01642) 438418.