FUNDraiser Aubrey Hanley and friends are planning a cross-country marathon for charity - and plan to travel in style.

They will be doing the coast-to-coast route aboard a custom-made carriage pulled by a 15-year-old Connemara thoroughbred known as Mickey Flynn.

Mr Hanley, from Streetlam, near Northallerton, will set out on August 13 with his two companions John Galvin and Melba Read.

They plan to take 12 days on the trip, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Relief while camping out along the route and facing the elements.

"We chose to cross from Ambleside to Burniston because it has to be some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain," said Mr Hanley.

"It also gives us time to reflect on all the friends and family who have been affected by cancer and who have been helped by Macmillan."

He added: "This is our way of helping. We hope to raise £3,000 through sponsorship and donations along the way."

Anyone who would like to help with the effort is asked to contact Wilma Burniston on (01325) 370870.