A TEAM of veterinary staff from an Orford surgery completed an arduous trek last week to raise cash for a cause very close to their hearts.

Five staff members from Rees Veterinary Centre on Orford Avenue - Diane Wilshaw, Eleanor Jones, Julie Wellings, Debbie Oakes and Andrea Koll - entered the Coniston Challenge under their team name of Rees'susitation.

They joined 30 other teams to complete the challenge which involved climbing Coniston fells to reach the summit of Old Man of Coniston', 800 metres above sea level; mountain biking through 12 miles of Grizedale Forest, followed by canoeing on Coniston Water - all in under 10 hours.

But the girls showed no sign of stopping as they tackled the mammoth course in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The team aim to raise a total of £2,500 and still need help to reach their target. To make a donation, call the surgery on 232221.