TWO Minehead friends have dug out their hiking boots and rucksacks for a challenge of a lifetime - a gruelling trek through China in aid of the Children in Crisis charity.

Nikki Sharpe and Lynne Perkins' ten-day hike next May will take in the country's Bejing province at the Great Wall of China as they and a party of 40 walk for seven hours a day.

However, Nikki and Lynne need to raise £2,500 each in sponsorship for the trip and are seeking donations from individuals and businesses.

Nikki, who works at Toucan Wholefoods, and Lynne, a chiropodist, regularly walk their dogs together but they will be putting in some extra work at the gym to build up their stamina.

Nikki said they were both looking forward to the trip: "This is going to be a tough challenge but I think we will be both up to it.

"Lynne completed a similar trip in Nepal a couple of years ago but we both walk our dogs together and go to the gym.

"We are already receiving encouraging help from local organisations but we still need private sponsors and donations of saleable items for a series of car-boot sales which we have planned."

Children in Crisis, of which the Duchess of York is the founder and life president, aims to improve the lives of children around the world affected by conflict, deprivation, poverty or other hidden crises.

If anyone wishes to help can contact Nikki on 01643 707642 or at Toucan Wholefoods while Lynne can be reached at her practice in King George Road on 01643 705754

Photo: Steve Guscott.