Mercury journalists and its photographer will step away from their desks and hike 10 miles for a Weston charity.

The team behind the paper and website will be joined by past employees, families and friends to tackle Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge.

The hike will see the team of 15 trek from Winscombe back to the hospice’s headquarters in Uphill.

The team, which named itself the Mercury Mob, hopes to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity.

All but two of the news team will be taking part alongside well-known staff photographer Mark Atherton, editorial assistant Karen Richards and former reporter Sheridan Robins.

The team also managed to talk their housemates, partners and children into taking part.

Mercury Mob group leader Vicky Angear said: “We decided to get a team together to take on the Mendip Challenge in aid of a fantastic cause which helps so many people in our area.

“We are of varying levels of fitness – some members have been gently persuaded to take part, while others are using it to train for even longer distances – but we are all looking forward to the challenge and are hoping to raise as much as we can for Weston Hospicecare.”

The event will take place on June 3 at 11am for the 10-mile hike, at 8am in Draycott for the 20-mile route, with the 30-mile walk setting off from Wells at about 6am.

Event organiser Kelsey Dehaney said: “We are thrilled to see the Mercury has entered a team in this year’s Mendip Challenge, and we are sure they will have a lot of fun exploring the Mendips on June 3.

“But, we are still on the lookout for other people to sign up.

“Everyone who takes part will be able to enjoy a scenic walk in the gorgeous Somerset countryside, make some new friends, and know they are supporting Weston Hospicecare’s work caring for people with limiting illnesses and their families.”

To sponsor the Mercury team, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mercurymob or to sign up, visit www.weston hospicecare.org.uk/mendip