A COWLING woman is tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks to help fund voluntary work overseas.

Laura Hepworth is among a group of six taking on the gruelling mountain challenge – incorporating Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

They aim to complete the walk, on Saturday, in under 12 hours.

The trekkers are also raising money for the Stroke Association in memory of the grandmother of participant Lyndsey Hanson.

And Laura, 22, who runs a mobile beauty business, needs to raise £2,000 for a two-week trip to Sri Lanka in September.

She is heading out to the country with Projects Abroad to work with disadvantaged children.

"I wanted to give something back and this seemed like a perfect opportunity," she said.

"I'll be working with children in a school or orphanage and staying with a host family. It will be a great experience."

Laura will be joined on the Three Peaks challenge by her mum Diane Ward, Steeton woman Lyndsey with her partner Nick Wearmouth, and other friends Emily Capper and Max Bridges.

The group has been tackling hill and mountain walks every weekend as part of its training.

"Max has completed the Three Peaks before – so he's been leading the training – but for the rest of us it is a new experience," said Laura.

"Walking is something that I just haven't done previously.

"The training has been tough but we're determined to complete the challenge. We've done each of the Three Peaks separately, including Whernside in torrential rain!

"We haven't got a fundraising target as such, we just want to raise as much as possible."

She said people could choose if they wished to give specifically to one of the causes. Other donations will be split between the two.

Laura, who has so far raised about £400 towards her Sri Lanka trip, is planning further events.

Anyone wanting to donate can visit Laura's Beauty2You Facebook page or contact her on 07710 688597.