POLICEMEN from an RAF airbase will be pounding a different type of beat when they undertake the gruelling West Highland Way in aid of our Guardian Angels Appeal.

Members of the Police and Security Flight based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, aim to cover 95 miles in only five days.

The team of 12 policemen hope their efforts will raise more than £1,000 - to be split equally between Combat Stress and The Press's appeal to fund life-saving, high-dependency facilities for children at York Hospital.

The West Highland Way starts on the outskirts of Glasgow and passes Loch Lomond to the Highlands, ending at the foot of Scotland's highest mountain - Ben Nevis.

Team leader Warrant Officer Fred Dawson said: "The walk is not only a good team-building exercise for my lads, but will raise badly needed funds for two charities dear to the hearts of all of us at Linton-on-Ouse."

Combat Stress provides support for ex-members of the Armed Forces who are coping with a variety of psychological issues after serving their country in conflicts across the world.

The Press's Guardian Angels Appeal aims to transform high-dependency care for children at York Hospital.

Thanks to the continued support of our readers, we are now only £40,000 short of the £300,000 we need to fund the unit.

At present, very poorly children are cared for in two small rooms with limited equipment. The most seriously ill children have to be taken to Leeds or Sheffield.

But our appeal will create two high dependency rooms equipped with state-of-the-art, life-saving technology.

It will give the little patients instant access to everything they need to fight illness or infection.

If you are holding a charity event, let us know about it and we can publicise it in The Press to make sure as many people as possible support your efforts.

Phone Nicola Fifield on 01904 653051 or email nicola.fifield@ycp.co.uk.

If you want to make a donation, send cheques or postal orders made out to The Press Guardian Angels appeal, to Guardian Angels, The Press, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.