A HAGLEY woman is among search and rescue volunteers set to take on a 42k challenge across the Shropshire Hills.

Jo Parkes and her colleagues from the Wyre Forest station of SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) have decided to enter the Shropshire Way 42K Mammothon to help raise funds for the water rescue and land search organisation which covers the River Severn from the old Severn Crossing at Chepstow to Shrewsbury.

The team, which also comprises Pauline Burton, Reg Pitts, Matt Massey, Steve Bradley, Marcus Bradley and James Sutherland, will be taking on the challenge over the undulating Shropshire Hills while carrying full search kit - as part of the Shropshire Hills Festival taking place on April 6 and 7.

Their trek, which they must complete within 12 hours, will take in Wenlock Edge, The Long Mynd and Wart Hill.

James Sutherland said: "The nature of this event makes it an ideal opportunity to expand on the navigational skill set and fitness of the crew.

"It is not everyday that we have to carry our search kit quite so far, but it will be nice to know that we can.

"It is also great for the team to be actively involved with an event like this in our operational area."

SARA has three inshore lifeboat stations manned by volunteers who work alongside Gloucester, Gwent, West Midlands and West Mercia Police forces plus two inland water rescue stations and three mountain rescue land search teams.

The organisation also has flood rescue teams that can respond to flooding anywhere across the country.

Volunteers give up their free time to provide the service which is funded entirely by donations.

Jo, aged 30, volunteers for SARA when not busy with her day job as lead pharmacist for cancer services - delivering education and training in Worcestershire.

For more details about SARA go to www.sara-wyreforest.org.uk and for more information about the challenge go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-sutherlandsara