A FATHER and son team are taking on a mountain challenge to support a home for stray dogs.

Sean and Louis Gleeson are using their permitted daily exercise to walk up Roseberry Topping and Little Roseberry, from their home in Pease Court, Hutton Lane, Guisborough, for a straight 32 days, accompanied by the family dog, a Jack Russell named Sizzle.

The 32-day challenge is for the 32 homeless dogs currently at Maxis Mates, a rescue and rehoming centre at Carlin Howe Farm near Dunsdale, Guisborough.

The centre is worried it may be short on funds to help feed and care for the animals over the coming months, with little or no income. It has costs of £6,000 to £7,000 per month, and without adoptions, donations from the public and fundraising events, Maxi’s cannot cover the amount.

Each day, Sean and Louis will be walking a distance of 8.25km (5.1 miles) climbing 567ft up Roseberry Topping, plus another steep smaller climb up Little Roseberry. This means that they will climb well over 18,000ft and walk in excess of 160 miles in the 32 days.

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louis-gleeson

Louis said: "Any donations would be greatly appreciated and would help out such a brilliant charity."

Their target was £250, but by day nine, they had already reached £439.

Maxis Mates Rescue and Rehoming Centre opened in 2016 at Carlin Howe Farm, following the closure of Waterfall Kennels. It a dedicated charity that helps all stray dogs, regardless of breed, age or whether they are sociable with other dogs or not and believe that all strays deserve another chance at finding a home.

Donations of food are also welcome. There are a few food collection points and one at the kennels, plus an Amazon wishlist.