ARMY medics take on one of the toughest tests set by the Parachute Regiment next week and all to help raise money for a nursery.

Playtime for the youngsters is limited, as an area outside the building in Catterick Garrison has been deemed unsafe.

So the five soldiers serving with the MoD Hospital Unit, in Northallerton, hope to raise some the £5,000 required for a restoration project by walking 18 miles from their base at the Friarage Hospital to the nursery.

Colonel Paul Parker, Warrant Officer 2 Mike Dawe, Sergeant Jeff North, Sergeant Alan Hutchinson, and Lance Corporal Keith Tandy will be carrying 36lbs in rucksacks The pace will also be punishing as, if they are to take on the Paras' challenge, then the entire route must be tackled as a forced march.

"We first heard about the project as my wife helps out at the nursery," said WO2 Dawe. "We start at 7am on Wednesday and expect to be be in Catterick Garrison around noon.

"I don't think the five of us will raise all the money - but it would be good to set the appeal on its way with a donation of a few hundred pounds.''