A Lanchester woman is joining TV journalist Kate Adie for a trek across the Sahara Desert to raise cash for charity.

Rhoda Joyce, 57, of Middlewood Road, is taking part in a 62-mile hike.

Mrs Joyce, who has three children and a grandchild, is one of 30 people taking part in the event, which aims to raise money for Cancer Bridge in Hexham, Northumberland.

The charity, which counts Sunderland-born Kate Adie as its vice patron, offers care and support for cancer sufferers and their carers.

Mrs Joyce decided to take up the challenge after her mother, Sarah Foster, died from a cancer-related illness in April, aged 94.

She said: "My mother loved to travel and this trip is in her memory."

Her training programme has seen her cover around 50 miles a week. She has paid for the trek with some money left by her mother and has sponsorship from more than 170 companies and individuals, including Lanchester Lions and Consett Rotary Club.

In return, she has promised to repay some of the groups with talks about her experience. "That will be a challenge in itself - I am terrified of public speaking," she said.

Mrs Joyce flies out for Morocco this weekend for the week-long expedition.

Anyone wanting to sponsor her should call (01207) 521674.