PEOPLE across Keighley and South Craven are being urged to pull on their trainers for a Canalathon challenge.

Participants are asked to run or walk a marathon distance, 26.2 miles, along the canal towpath during July – and raise funds for the upkeep of the waterways.

People can complete the challenge in one go or in stints throughout the month – individually, or as part of a team.

The initiative is being organised by the Canal & River Trust, which looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales – including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through the Keighley district.

Hamish Shilliday, for the trust, said: "Canalathon is about getting people active outdoors and enjoying pure escapism.

"It’s also a fantastic way to raise money towards safeguarding our canals, helping waterway wildlife flourish and protecting our 200-year-old canal heritage in the face of climate change."

To sign-up, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/canalathon.