TWENTY-TWO wives and girlfriends of soldiers from 3 Rifles will tackle an assault course to raise money for injured troops.

Members of the Rifles Angels - partners of soldiers in the 3 Rifles - will brave an aerial assault course on July 23 to raise money for Care for Casualties.

The fundraising effort will take place at Go Ape, in Edinburgh, the city where the 3 Rifles are based.

The battalion has strong roots in the North-East and North Yorkshire and recruits heavily in the region.

Last year, the battalion was given the freedom of the boroughs of Darlington, Stockton and Sunderland.

The fundraising team will include a woman from the North-East - Natasha Briggs, from Darlington, who is married to Rifleman Barry Briggs, from Darlington.

However, many of those taking part are married or partners to people from the region.

The Rifles Angels include all the wives and partners of the 568 soldiers in the battalion - 211 of who are married.

They have organised a number of fundraising efforts in aid of Care for Casualties.

The charity supports severely injured members of The Rifles and their families, as well as the families of other injured troops.

Talking about the forthcoming challenge, Mrs Briggs said: "We will go over a tightwire, bridges and there is a 40ft drop at the end. We are just going to turn up on the day and take the plunge.

"I'm a bit nervous about it because I'm not great with heights. But I'm going to give it a go and try do it with everything I've got for this great cause."

Mrs Briggs, in particular, got involved in the fundraising after the death of Lance Corporal Christopher Roney, from Sunderland, in Afghanistan, in 2009.

She said: "Our riflemen risk their lives for their country, but the Rifles Angels are the hidden army that watches over them. Please help us to support our soldiers and thank them for their sacrifices by making a donation."

To help the women, go to justgiving.com/Rifles-Angels