A FITNESS expert has challenged a rugby squad to scale a monument for charity.

Bridgitte Swales, from Newcastle, who has 12 years experience in the fitness industry, has challenged the Newcastle Falcons to join her in a race up Grey's Monument, in the city centre, on January 21.

The challenge is part of the British Lung Foundation's 02 Challenge year, which Ms Swales has an interest in promoting. Following the climb, Ms Swales plans to run up the Glasgow Science Tower and Liverpool's famous Beacon before arriving back in Newcastle 48 hours later.

People can get an application pack to undertake challenges by ringing 0191-263 0276.