RUNNERS and walkers of all ages and abilities are being invited to sign up to The Wharfedale Three Peaks Challenge.

The annual fundraising event of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association will take place in June and as usual, will start and finish in Kettlewell.

A new route for the Three Peaks Challenge, an 18 mile hike taking in Birks Fell, Buckden pike and Great Whernside, was introduced for the first time last year and was won by Ted Mason, in a time of two hours and 22 minutes. The two peaks route is 13.5 miles and remains unchanged taking in Buckden pike and Great Whernside. The course record is two hours, two minutes and 36 seconds, set by Paul Carman in 2017.

There is also a 4.5 mile family circular walk from Kettlewell to Starbotton.

Refreshments will be on offer at the finish, and there will be water at roads between each peak. Cost of entry is £25 for both the challenge events, and £12 per adult for the family walk, under-18s are free.

A spokesperson for UWFRA said: "Costs of running the team and being able to provide a free rescue service are ever increasing, last year running costs exceeded £80,000. Any individual sponsorship to raise funds for the team will be greatly appreciated, in addition any corporate sponsorship to help with the staging of the event will also be greatly appreciated."

The event takes place on Saturday, June 24. Enter at: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=11030 or find UWFRA on Facebook