FIVE fitness fanatics are set to undertake a gruelling trek to mark the 101st anniversary of a journey made by an ill-fated battalion of First World War recruits.

The 45-mile march to Masham, on Saturday (September 19) will see Will Ashby and Heather Foxall, from the town, Chris Woodall, from Northallerton, and former marines Michael Anderson and Christiaan Creaby, follow in the footsteps of the Leeds Pals.

The group, who are fundraising for Masham’s branch of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund, hope to complete the task within 20 hours, setting off from Leeds at 4am and arriving at the Leeds Pals Memorial, near Masham.

The male members of the team will carry packs weighing 55lb for the trek, which is being sponsored by Northallerton retailer Lewis & Cooper.

Next week marks 101 years since the members of the battalion started arriving at Colsterdale Camp, to start their military training before heading to the Western Front and suffering heavy losses in the Battle of the Somme.

Mr Creaby said: “The Pals were very brave men and their story is humbling and the loss of those killed in the war had a massive impact on their communities."

To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/teams/Leedspalsyomp