TWO animal-loving siblings and their partners will take on a steep challenge in an effort to bring in the pounds for puppies in need.

Two couples from Strensall, York, will tackle the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks this month, with all sponsorship money going towards a new puppy unit at the RSPCA Animal Home, in Holgate, York.

John and Helen Yeomans, together with her brother and his wife, Stephen and Tracey Logan, are hoping to complete the 24.5-mile mountainous route in under 12 hours.

Helen, who works as an anaesthetic assistant, said: "It will be a challenge, but we're really looking forward to it. The annual Three Peaks Race took place last weekend and the winner did it in two hours, 50 minutes.

"We'll be happy if we get round in 12 hours. We're going to set off early and the plan is to be back in the pub by nine."

And with three out of the four of them working in hospitals, they will definitely be prepared for any emergencies.

Helen said: "My brother is a paramedic and Tracey is a practice nurse, so that could be handy."

The route takes in the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and includes more than 5,000 feet of climbing.

Anybody who completes the challenge within 12 hours - clocking in and out at the Pen-y-ghent Café in Horton-in-Ribblesdale - will become an official member of the Three Peaks Of Yorkshire Club and can buy a special badge and tie.

Helen, who is an RSPCA volunteer, and her fellow hikers are hoping to raise as much as possible for the new puppy unit.

She said: "They desperately need this new puppy unit in York. Where the puppies sleep at the moment is very dark and it's just not big enough for them.

"The new unit will be much bigger and will have glass windows to make it lighter for the puppies."

Anybody who would like to make a donation can phone the York RSPCA centre on 01904 654949.