INTREPID Catherine Ager will take on the biggest challenge of her life this year when she heads to Peru to hike across the Inca trail.

Catherine, 24, of Lincoln Place, Haslingden, has already cycled across Israel and scaled the Himalayas for the charity Scope but admits this will be the greatest challenge because she is not as fit as she used to be.

The team leader who works for the bank HSBC in Manchester is now preparing to start a gruelling training regime which will involve regular walks around the valley's hills before she finally jets off in September.

Catherine will join 100 other people from all walks of life to trek the demanding 100 km in five days through the Peruvian Andes to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu.

The journey will take her through sub-tropical vegetation, forest and finally steep barren slopes as the trail winds its way through the sacred Uramba valley and surrounding mountains.

But before she packs her hiking boots into her rucksack she has to raise a minimum of £2,500 for the National Deaf Children's Society, and has just £500 left to raise. Anyone who wants to sponsor Catherine can contact her on 0161 910 1707 or 07879 620044.