YORK Girl Guides competed in a marathon with a difference to triumph in a charity challenge.

Seventeen Guides and four leaders travelled across the north of England to raise cash for Children With Leukaemia.

But rather than run 26 miles, the Guides, from 10th York (Osbaldwick), were challenged to visit 26 railway stations in eight hours.

They were also set 26 mini-challenges, ranging from completing quizzes to holding a 26-minute silence.

The group visited stations across the Northern and Transpennine Routes, including Leeds, Carlisle and Newcastle.

Anna Fielding, a group leader, said: "The event went exactly as planned. Arriva got us to all of our destinations and helped ensure that they achieved their challenge and were able to collect their sponsorship money.

"The day was a real success, as the girls had great fun and we raised around £1,000. We are very grateful for Arriva's support as the donation of free rail travel meant that that every penny collected could go towards our fundraising effort.

"We would also like to thank Arriva's customers who gave money while we were carrying out the challenge."

Peter Myers, Arriva Trains Northern's head of stations, added: "We were delighted to offer our support, and we congratulate the Guides on raising such a substantial amount of money."

Updated: 09:13 Wednesday, May 28, 2003