A GROUP of schoolmates are planning to undertake an arduous challenge to raise money for hospital's baby unit.

Laura Frost, 15, Simon Lucas, 16, Elizabeth Dick and Susan Thornborough, both 18, will take part in the National Three Peaks Challenge, on Monday and Tuesday, August 21 and 22.

The challenge entails scaling the summits of Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales in 24 hours.

The youngsters, pupils at Durham Johnston School in Durham, are raising sponsorship for the special care baby unit at the city's Dryburn Hospital.

Backing has come from teachers, family, friends and staff at the Inland Revenue's offices in the city.

Laura, who is organising the challenge, said: "I have been into fell walking since I was eight but I haven't had time for it recently, what with exams and one thing and another.

"It is a walk I have always wanted to do and I thought that this year I would do it and got the team together.

"My sister had a baby last year and I had a look round the special care baby unit at Dryburn while I was there.

"The baby unit does a great deal of good work in saving many lives and giving youngsters the chance to fight for their future. The money raised will contribute to life support, drugs, and vital treatment."

The four, who will driven between the peaks by the school's head teacher, Richard Bloodworth, have been busy training. They hope to raise about £500 for the baby unit.

Pictured are Laura, and Simon Lucas, getting ready for their trek.

Picture: BRIAN CLOUGH