A MORTGAGE advisor from Darlington is getting ready to pull on her hiking boots for a charity walking challenge.

Karen Mitson, 46, works as a mortgage advisor at Yorkshire Bank in Darlington.

She and colleague Julie Cook, 48, from Bishop Auckland, will be among 93 participants in a trek to the summit of Ben Nevis on September 5, to raise funds for the Help the Hospices charity.

The climb will last up to eight hours and see the group tackling rough terrain, steep climbs, snowy ground and finally crossing the boulder field to the summit cairn.

Ms Mitson said said: “It’s great to be setting off to climb Ben Nevis alongside my colleagues for the benefit of an extremely worthwhile cause.

“I have no doubt it will be a fantastic experience and I’m hoping to raise much needed funds for Help the Hospices at the same time.

"The bank is supporting us by match funding every penny raised, which will be a great motivation when the climb becomes physically challenging.”