A GROUP of North-East prisoners will make a break for it on Sunday as they take on a challenge for charity.

Nine inmates from HMP Kirklevington Grange will take part in the Roseberry Challenge to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in South Bank.

Eight of them will carry another prisoner in a wheelchair mounted on a frame, from the car park at the bottom of Roseberry Topping, near Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, to the summit and back.

They hope to beat the current record time of 53 minutes, which is held by Redcar Rugby Club.

The charity has been working in partnership with HMP Kirklevington Grange for 18 months, taking prisoners approaching their release date as volunteers to help them integrate into society.

Inmate John Harrison, 25, came up with the idea of trying to beat the record time.

Fundraising manager for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Phil Barker, said: "John has been working with us for five months now. He knows we are self-funding and he wanted to do something to help us get some money. He has raised £200 alone. In total, we have around £1,000 so far."

They have received sponsorship and support from other inmates.

"They have been training by running around the field in the prison grounds carrying a 17-stone man," said Mr Barker. "The support from other prisoners has been amazing. They hang out of the windows and cheer them on."

The prisoners will arrive at 10am for a 10.30am start. The public is welcome to attend. To sponsor them, call the charity on (01642) 461673.