TWO friends have returned to Rossendale after completing the global challenge of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of the Incas.

Michael Loveder, 34, and Steven McClusky, 33, were brought up in the Stacksteads area and have been pals since childhood.

They have just returned from Peru after a lengthy trek along the historic Inca trail. They each managed to clock-up an impressive 38 miles, raising £5,000 for the Children's Hospitals Appeals Trust charity which covers the North West.

The pair were hugely supportive of each other throughout because Steven is asthmatic and the trek involved a lot of climbing.

Michael lives in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, and is a landscape gardener and builder. Steven has moved to Crawshawbooth and lectures in basic needs in Manchester.

Michael said: "Steven was fine. It was me who was doing all the suffering because I am an ex-smoker.

"We had to get used to the altitude for several days before we could start the trekking.

"We found ourselves chewing coca leaves like the natives because it helps you get used to the altitude. It is full of good properties and anti-oxidants so we felt as fit as kings when we came back."

They combined their fundraising to help each other reach the personal goal of £2,500 set by the charity.

The pair are now looking forward to their next fundraising challenge in China or Morocco.

Michael added: "Something like this takes a lot of organising and hard fundraising. Kenyon Footwear in the Valley were very helpful throughout the fundraising as was Phil Neville, who donated £250 and a signed football shirt.

"We would like to say a big thankyou to everyone who helped us along the way and hope they will support us in our next challenge."