A TEAM from Pendle will take on the elements this weekend as they tackle one of the world’s toughest obstacle courses.

Tough Mudder 2012 will see four staff and six members of Pendle Leisure Centre run through fire, swim in icy lakes and even be electrocuted as they overcome 28 obstacles during a gruelling half marathon.

The event, held in Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cheshire, is designed by the British Special Forces and raises money for soldiers’ charity Help For Heroes.

Gym instructor Andy Pickard said he had chosen some of his most successful clients to get involved in the challenge.

He said: “All those who have agreed to this very testing endurance challenge have changed their lifestyles and become healthy and active through the services we provide.

Throughout the last two months we have trained hard together as a team. We have some strong characters and a great team spirit which will spur us on when the going gets tough”

The team has been running through rivers, crawling through muddy fields and swimming in nearby open water – even taking a dip in Foulridge reservoir – in preparation for the endurance event.

Fellow instructors John Bannister, Danny Kelly and Sean Malkin will lead the team, which also includes keep-fit enthusiasts Helen Kalan, Tony Robinson, Wayne Hampshire, Kelly Mulligan, Amy Smith and Lee Nuttall.

But as their name suggests, Team Mud, Sweat and Beers are looking forward to celebrating once they cross the finishing line.

Mr Pickard, from Colne, added: “It’s just a fun event at then end of the day and for our members it’s probably the biggest thing they’ve ever done.”