A TEAM of walkers are taking part in an almost 200-mile trek to raise awareness of fostering.

The hikers are travelling the 187-mile coast to coast challenge across the North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

The group are setting off on their 11 day challenge from St Bees in Cumbria on June 23, and hope to reach their finishing point of Robin Hood’s Bay on July 3.

The walk - led by Brian Foulger of Middlesbrough Council’s Family Placement Team - is a joint initiative by Tees Valley Fostering to raise awareness of the need to recruit new foster carers across the boroughs.

Mr Fougler said: “It’s no mean undertaking, so we’ve been out training since last October to make sure we can complete the full distance.

“We all believe passionately in fostering and its ability to transform young lives forever, and give young people the family support they need in life.”