CARE assistant Katie Frost and mother-of-five Sandra Dawson plan to turn their hobby into a money spinner for charity when they take part in a gruelling 40-hour sponsored walk in Chile.

The friends, of Hector Road, Darwen, have pledged to raise £2,200 each for Mencap.

They will travel to Patagonia in March next year.

Katie, 43, said: "We both enjoy walking and thought it would be a challenge as well as a way of raising money for such a good cause."

Their first fund-raiser is planned for Friday, November 19 with line dancing at Longshaw Unity Working Men's Club in Blackburn. Tickets cost £3.

They are also looking for sponsorship from individuals and local companies.

Anybody who can help should ring 01254 701201.

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