TWO adventurous members of staff from British Home Stores, Blackpool, have returned to work with magical memories of the mountains and ancient Inca ruins of Macchupitchu.

Colleagues Diana Lilley and Sarah Hall, who both live in Blackpool, successfully completed a gruelling 10-day trek this month along Peru's mysterious Inca Trail -- raising thousands of pounds for the Children's Hospitals Appeal Trust in the process.

The pair joined a group of 45 other enthusiastic individuals, raising £100,000 in total to help children throughout the region by providing medical equipment and facilities to enhance their care.

They were delighted to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime challenge, as Diana explained: "This was an absolutely wonderful and unforgettable experience. I feel I have achieved something really amazing and have met some great people along the way.

"The native people were so lovely, and colourful too -- they really made the trip memorable. The view over the ruins of Macchupitchu was breathtaking and it really is a spiritual place.

"Sarah and I made a great team and we would love to do it again. Between us we raised more than £5,000. I would really recommend it to anybody considering taking part in a similar event."

The charity is now looking for more enthusiastic men and women to take up the challenge.

Anna McCaughley, international events co-ordinator for the Children's Hospitals Appeal Trust said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in an exciting challenge and raise money for an excellent cause. These events are open to people with various levels of fitness. We can offer participants advice and support with their training and fund-raising throughout."

So if the Inca Trail, or walking the Great Wall of China, sounds exciting to you and you require some further information, call Anna on (0161) 2768700.