A GAGGLE of comedians from across the North are set to embark upon a mammoth hike for charity.

Led by Hartlepool stand up Nick Banks, more than 20 comedians will spend a week walking the 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, taking a break every night to perform gigs at venues along the route.

Teesside’s Patrick Monahan, Father Ted star Michael Redmond and Ideal’s Seymour Mace are among the walkers teaming up to raise money for the Children and Young Persons Kidney Fund, based at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Former soldier turned comedian Mr Banks organised the walk as a way of thanking the hospital for the treatment and support given to the family of his best friend, Michael Readman, whose two-year-old son Harry suffers from chronic kidney disease.

He said: “The RVI have been great with Michael and his missus and this is my way of saying thanks to them. If all goes to plan, this is going to be immense. It is one of the biggest comedy events to have been done in the North and I am humbled by some of the names that are involved.”

The comedians are appealing for support ahead of their walk, which begins on March 28 2013. Any prospective sponsors who could offer help with the provision of camping equipment are asked to get in touch via the event website set up about the event hadrianswallcharitywalk.weebly.com/index.html. Donations to the charity can be made by visiting justgiving.com/Nicholas-Banks0.