A LOCAL champion female body builder has organised a race night to help raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

June Woodall, from Saltburn, is doing her bit to ensure a team from Marske Vets, in Marske, near Redcar, can take part in the tough physical Keswick Challenge in June to raise cash for the charity.

Vet James Haddow, and his team of six volunteers, will be covering 42 miles in 10 hours as part of the Keswick Challenge, which includes a 10-mile mountain climb, 26 mile bike ride and six mile canoe paddle in the Lake District on June 5.

They have to raise £2,500 for the charity before being accepted on the challenge and have raised more than £2,000 so far thanks to the generosity of local businesses and clients.

A charity night at O'Gradys Hotel, Redcar, on Thursday, attended by around 150 people, also raised more than £650.

A shirt, worn by Middlesbrough Football Club player Macaroni during the Carling Cup tournament, and signed by club members, will be raffled off on the race night, with food and disco, on Saturday, April 24, at McQuays, Saltburn, from 8pm to 11.30pm.

Mr Haddow said: "When I saw the advert in the local veterinary press looking for volunteer teams to take on a challenge, I felt that perhaps this year it would be worth trying for.

"The son of one of the nurses has taken on the role of team leader - and he is an army youth instructor for the Light Infantry, nicknamed Robbo, hence the team's name.

"A notice went up in the surgery and I got six volunteers.

"We've all started our personal training for the big day.

"We're very grateful to June for her help. She organises a big event like this every year and this year she's doing it for the Guide Dogs for the Blind."

Tickets for the race night are available from Healthwise Fitness Club, Saltburn.

Anyone wanting to help raise money for the charity should contact Markse Vets on (01642) 488777.