STAFF from a building society’s branches in two market towns will don their combat gear for a ten-mile charity hike next month.

Armed forces charity Help for Heroes will benefit from the stunt by workers at the Yorkshire Building Society’s outlets in Richmond and Northallerton Anyone who sponsors the team of walkers will have their donation matched pound for pound by the society’s charitable foundation.

Staff from both branches will be joined by friends, family and Help for Heroes volunteers for the sponsored walk.

The event will include completing the Little Drummer Boy walk in Richmond before continuing on to Catterick Garrison.

Staff are hoping to raise £1,000, which will then be doubled.

All money raised will be used to provide ‘grab bags’ for servicemen and women who are injured in action.

Often when a soldier is injured, they don’t have access to basic items such as a change of underwear, toiletries or a pen and paper to write home.

The bags contain all these items, as well as a letter from a school child and a message of support.

Paula McGee, manager at the Northallerton branch on the High Street said: "We’re dusting off our walking shoes ready for the event and we’re hoping the local community will lend its support to ensure we hit our target.

"All sponsorship donations will be doubled, whether they are for 50p or a fiver, so you really can make your charitable giving go that extra mile by supporting our cause."

The sponsored walk will take place on July 12.

To sponsor the team, call into either the Northallerton or Richmond branch.