TWO friends with a combined age of 132 are walking the length of Great Britain, climbing Ben Nevis on the way, to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Frances Tennant, 72, from Darlington, and friend Rupert Booth, 60, from Yarm, are hiking from Land’s End, in Cornwall, to John O’Groats, in Scotland.

Mrs Tennant, who has completed the Great North Run 18 times, is one of the oldest women ever to attempt the trek.

The pair, who have clocked up an average of nearly 17 miles a day since they started on March 21, are being supported by Mr Booth’s wife, Liz, who is following in a motor home.

The pair have so far walked 970 miles and expect to trek more than 1,200 in total.

Speaking from the Scottish Highlands last night, Mrs Tennant told The Northern Echo: “We are going to take in Ben Nevis on maybe Monday, providing the weather is suitable. I think that will be the toughest bit.

“The walk is going brilliantly.

We have had a wonderful time so far. It was absolutely fantastic weather to start off with, but now we have had our fair share of rain.

“I am feeling great. I have had the odd blister, but it has been really enjoyable.

“Liz has been brilliant – she’s kept us fed and watered and looked after us.”

Mrs Tennant, who has three children and three grandchildren, puts her fitness down to good luck.

She said: “I have always gone to classes at the Penthouse Gym, and I have always liked walking, but I am not a fitness fanatic.”

She said the walk had started as an expedition just for fun, but the pair decided to complete it for charity at the last minute.

She said: “This is Rupert’s retirement present to himself.

“It is something challenging, but then people kept asking us if we were doing it for charity, so we decided to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

The pair hope to finish the walk on June 7.