SPECIAL needs children have shown their support for a fundraising mountain trek for a hospital unit.

Malcolm Lavin, a manager with building firm Endeavour, his friend Eileen Robertson and their team have pledged to scale Kala Patthar, a peak above base camp on Mount Everest, next April, in aid of the Cleveland Unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

The unit provides therapy and education for pre-school children with special needs, and support for their families and carers in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland.

Mr Lavin and the team hope to raise money to equip a light room when the unit moves to new premises at the James Cook University Hospital, in 2003.

Endeavour is responsible for designing, building and financing the new facilities.

On Tuesday, youngsters from the Cleveland Unit visited the company's site office to send Mr Lavin and Ms Robertson on their way.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can call (01642) 851666.