A YORK couple are facing the challenge of a lifetime - a 4,000 mile hike across Europe.

Paul and Helen Webster, from South Bank, York, decided to take on the gruelling task to raise cash for the Red Cross.

They will be starting from Cape Finisterre on the west coast of Spain at the end of this month. It will take them a whole year to complete the continuous hike to Istanbul, Turkey, at the eastern edge of the continent.

Paul said: "We've planned a route sticking mostly to mountains and remoter areas and we will be carrying all our own gear including tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and only one pair of underpants each."

Their route will include Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey, and will be completed entirely on foot apart from a short ferry ride between southern Italy and Greece.

The couple hope their mammoth hike will raise £3,000 for the Red Cross.

Helen said: "The situation in Iraq means that the need for funds has never been greater, and they also carry out valuable work in the UK. All the money we raise will go direct to the Red Cross as we are meeting all the expenses of the trip ourselves."

Anyone who wants to sponsor the Websters can log on to their sponsorship webpage on www.justgiving.com/eurohike or pop into the Red Cross shop in Walmgate, York.

Updated: 09:02 Friday, May 16, 2003