A WESTON grandmother will be hiking 10 miles across the Mendip Hills to help raise money for a North Somerset charity.

A WESTON grandmother will be hiking 10 miles across the Mendip Hills to help raise money for a North Somerset charity.

Betty Pleasant, aged 77, will take part in the Mercury Mendip Challenge to collect cash for Weston Hospicecare, which is based in Uphill and provides care for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Betty said: "I was brought up in Winscombe and used to go up to the Mendips when I was young.

"I took part in the hospice's Midnight Beach Walk last year and when I heard the hospice staff were organising this event I thought it would be wonderful to be involved again.

"I normally try to walk five miles most days, so hopefully I will be able to manage these 10 miles without too much of a struggle."

Betty, who has five children and eight grandchildren, lives in Bristol Road Lower.

She will be joined by hundreds of other walkers taking part in the event on June 1 to help the hospice reach a fund-raising target of £40,000.

The event, which is sponsored by the Weston & Somerset Mercury and Western Power Distribution, gives participants the choice of walking 10, 15, 20 or 30 miles across the West Mendip Way or taking part in a five-mile, fancy dress fun walk along Weston seafront.

If you want to sign up to the challenge contact Penny Beare, Weston Hospicecare fund-raising and communications manager, on 01934 423921 or log on to www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/mendipchallenge

There is a registration fee of £5 for adults and £2.50 for people under 18 years old to help cover the costs of putting on the event.