FREEZING temperatures were snow problem for two intrepid hospital receptionists.

And their Oriental experience helped them raise more than £7,000 for charity by walking The Great Wall of China.

Pendle Community Hospital receptionists Elaine Carlton and Susan Brindle were due to go on a trek in June, but it was postponed until November due to the SARS virus outbreak.

However, the four months of extra training were put to good use with the pair hiking up and down Pendle Hill.

And this stood them in good stead for the 100km march in aid of cerebral palsy charity Scope.

The trip had sentimental value for Elaine, who decided to undertake the hike in memory of her niece Darcie, who died in 2000.

Elaine, 44, of Rowland Avenue, in Nelson, said: "Darcie had cerebral palsy and couldn't walk properly so that's why I got interested in Scope.

"I thought it would be nice to do something for her.

"We had a really fabulous time. It is difficult to put it into words, but I felt really grateful for the experience. It is something I will never forget and something I never thought I would never do."

The dynamic duo set off on their five day trek in the Beijing province on November 1.

Susan, 38, of Shore Avenue, Briercliffe, said: "The snow was especially good - even though it made the walking harder, the change in scenery made it wonderful."

The pair, who have worked together for seven years, had hoped to raise £5,000 for the charity but thanks to the generosity of local people they topped that target by more than £2,000.

Susan said: "We would really like to thank everyone who donated money to us."

The money will go towards helping people with cerebral palsy, which is the most commonly diagnosed physical disability in Britain and affects more than 1,800 babies born each year and their families.

Cerebral palsy is a condition which jumbles messages between the brain and muscles and can make it hard to talk, sit or walk.

Scope organises a number of overseas fund-raising events and anyone interested in taking part can telephone 0800 019 1200 for more details.