VETERAN runner Chris Beesley from Settle is planning to celebrate his 67th birthday by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

And he will be hoping to raise funds to help bring a refugee family from Syria to come and live in Settle.

Chris, who has been married for 45 years and has three daughters and two grandsons, last completed the 17 mile three peaks run, of Penyghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, in 2016.

In January - when there may well be snow and ice on the peaks - he will be running in support of the town's recently formed Refugee ReSETTLEment group.

"The thought of people being forced and bombed out of their homes is abhorrent, and I asked myself, what can I do," he said.

"I can run and raise money so that a family from a refugee camp can be given the chance and all the help they will need to start a new life here in Settle”.

He is asking others to join him for part, or all, of the way, and so far is hoping to be joined by the former vicar of Austwick, Ian Greenhalgh.

The route will begin at Kingsdale, then up Whernside, down to the Hill Inn, up Ingleborough, back to Horton, and on to Penyghent to finish at Dalehead.

Chris is also looking for willing volunteers at two refreshment stops - at the Hill Inn, and at Horton - to provide him with a hot drink of black tea to help keep him warm.

He plans to do the run on January 18, starting at 9am and completing it in between four and five hours - the route is shorter than some of the traditional three peaks routes.

Chris says he hopes to raise plenty of money for the community project, which in addition is also looking for practical help in bringing the refugee family to Settle.

"The group needs lots of practical help too; things like a house to rent, English teaching and practice, driving to appointments, help with public transport and shopping, and good old-fashioned friendship," he said.

To support Chris and his run for the refugee support group, donations can be made directly to: Refugee ReSETTLEment Sponsorship Account No 11369006 Sort Code 05-00-20, contact the group e-mail at settle.refugee@gmail.com if you would like a Gift Aid form or to donate cash.

Chris has set up a Justgiving donation page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chris-beesley?utm_id=2&utm_term=jkx8xE2j6

If anyone would like to join Chris or volunteer to help out, email: settle.refugee@gmail.com.