KIND-HEARTED canoeists are preparing to tackle Scotland's Loch Ness so a boy with cerebral palsy can have life-changing treatment.

Ten friends will attempt the 23-mile long loch next weekend to raise money for three-year-old Oscar Worton to continue treatment which experts say could dramatically improve his condition.

The group - Dave Baglin, 33, Peter White, 35, Mark Baglin, 39, Andrew Lowther, 40, Neil Cleasby, 39, Steven Wilkinson, 40, Mel Thomas, 43, Shaun Reynolds, 41, David King 32, and Ray Odell, 32 - are all originally from the Bishop Auckland area of County Durham.

Although none had canoed before last November, when they started training for the event, they are determined to complete the challenge, on Saturday.

"We are looking forward to it," said Mr Baglin. "We are not really nervous. If it's gale-force winds, it might be a bit fierce, though."

The group, who grew up together, have had to undergo intensive training, including life-saving skills, over the past seven months.

"The first time we went out in November, we all got wet - it was freezing and it put a lot of us off. But we are fit enough and we are strong enough," said Mr Baglin.

Last year, the group raised about £3,000 for Charlie Fletcher, from Auckland Park, near Bishop Auckland, who also has cerebral palsy, by climbing Ben Nevis.

This year's money will help Oscar, from Kirklevington, near Stockton, to continue treatment at the Bobath Centre, in London.

Doctors hope the treatment could help Oscar, who was diagnosed with the condition a few months after he was born, to walk unaided.

Mr Baglin said the group would be registering as a charity, to do events every year raising money for a different youngster in the North-East who needed help or treatment.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the group can contact Mr Baglin on 07773-395450.