A TEAM from a Marske veterinary practice is to take part in a tough fitness challenge to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Vet James Haddow, and his team of six volunteers, will be covering 42 miles in ten hours as part of the Keswick Challenge, which includes a ten-mile mountain climb, a 26-mile bike ride and six-mile canoe paddle in the Lake District on June 5.

The team has to raise £2,500 for the charity before being accepted for the challenge and has raised more than £2,000 so far, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and clients.

A charity night at O'Gradys Hotel, Redcar, last Thursday, attended by about 150 people, raised more than £650.

Champion body builder June Woodall, of Saltburn, has organised a race night on Saturday, April 24, at McQuays, Saltburn, to help the team take part in the challenge. A shirt, worn by Middlesbrough Football Club player Massimo Maccarone during the Carling Cup tournament, and signed by club members, will be raffled on the night.

Mr Haddow said: "When I saw the advert in the local veterinary press looking for volunteer teams to take on a challenge, I felt that perhaps this year it would be worth trying for.

"The son of one of the nurses has taken on the role of team leader. He is an army youth instructor for the Light Infantry.

"We're very grateful to June for her help. She organises a big event like this every year and this year she's doing it for the Guide Dogs for the Blind."

Tickets for the race night are available from Healthwise Fitness Club, Saltburn.

Anyone wanting to help raise money for the charity should contact Marske Vets on (01642) 488777