WALKERS are putting their best feet forward to try to keep a much- needed local facility alive.

Staff and supporters of the Grimsby Women's Aid Centre are taking part in the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge to try and save the children's hideout at the centre.

The centre, which each year supports 120 children whose mothers are the victims of domestic violence, has previously received funding from Children In Need.

But the funding has now come to an end and staff at the refuge are keen to raise more cash to keep it open.

Walkers will tackle the three peaks of Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, hoping to raise £1,000 to keep the existing services in place.

Angie Taylor, a support worker at the centre said: "Sadly, the funding the refuge received for the children's hideout is coming to an end.

"We receive no government funding, so we're hoping that this will help support the project.

"Events such as this are vital in helping towards continuing to provide a service to children who have lived with domestic violence."

Twelve walkers will take on the gruelling challenge tomorrow, hoping to complete the 25-mile walk in less than 12 hours.

Staff from both the women's centre and the mental health service, as well as users of both services, will take part in the walk through the Yorkshire Dales, which will include over 5,000 feet of climbing.

Maria Johnson, also a support worker at the centre said: "We are all really looking forward to it, apart from the mud, which certainly won't be fun. It will certainly be a real challenge, but we've done a lot of training to prepare ourselves."

John Collins, a mental health for the homeless officer from North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, who is leading the walk, said: "Many victims of domestic abuse also have mental health problems and so we often work with the refuge.

"As I am a keen walker and have done this many times before, it just seemed like a good thing to do.

"The Three Peaks is a real test of fitness and stamina, but this is for a great cause."

Lend your support

To support the group, contact Angie or Maria on (01472) 240295.