TWO British Home Store workers from Blackpool are set to leave behind their normal routine and don their walking boots as they bravely venture to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu to raise funds for sick children in the North West.

Colleagues Diana Lilley and Sarah Hall, who are based at the town centre shop have pledged to raise £5,000 for the Children's Hospital Appeal's Trust by completing the challenging Inca Trail in Peru, which will take them 4,200 metres above sea level to the mysterious lost centre of the Inca civilisation.

The adventure will take both ladies far away from their usual jobs at the store where Sarah is a window dresser and her colleague Diana is a store manager. However, the pair are delighted to take part in the event and raise money for the local charity, which is based in Manchester.

The friends are already in serious training for the 10-day trek to take place in September. They are both really excited at the challenge as 23-year-old Sarah explained: "We are both looking forward to it immensely, it will be tough and hard work but it will all be worth it.

"We both like to keep fit and have already been on one training weekend in the Lakes and are going on another in August. This is not only good physical training for us but we also get to meet others who are doing the challenge."

42-year-old Diana went on to add: "It is wonderful to raise money which will provide vital equipment and facilities throughout our region and really make a difference."

They have already raised in excess of £500 through in-store collection boxes throughout the region and are raising more by holding special charity events.

The charity is now launching two new exciting challenges. These are to cycle across Kenya- the heart of African Safari Country in Febuary 2002 and a breathtaking trek along the Great Wall of China in June 2002.

Anna McCaughley, International Events Co-ordinater for the Children's Hospital Appeal said:"Events like these are a once in a lifetime oppotunity for people to take part in a double challenge."

If you would like to sponsor Diana and Sarah or would like more information about taking part, please call Anna on (0161) 276 8700.