A WOMAN has presented a cheque to hospice staff after completing a six-peak climbing challenge.

For the past two years, Anne Harland, 62, of Newton Aycliffe, has been a staunch supporter of the Butterwick Children's Hospice, in Stockton, raising almost £2,000 for the charity.

One of her most ambitious fundraising efforts was an 11-mile trek from Buttermere to Keswick, in the Lake District, which involved climbing six peaks. Having successfully completed the challenge in September, with her husband, Mel, Mrs Harland has just presented the hospice with a cheque for £415.

She said: "I did it in seven hours and five minutes, which I thought was quite good. Mel has made a video and we are planning to show it at local churches to encourage them to do something similar."

Barbara Marr, a children's hospice fundraiser, paid tribute to Mrs Harland, whose latest effort involved dressing up as Postman Pat for the Children in Need appeal, saying: "She is an incredibly special lady.

"She works tirelessly for the hospice and is forever coming up with new ideas.