MEMBERS of Worcester's England Rugby Academy will today kick-off a campaign to raise cash to fight heart disease.

The Academy's members will be at Worcester Rugby Club, in Hindlip, urging people to take part in the British Heart Foundation's Big Red Fightback campaign week.

The week, which runs from Monday, June 5 to Sunday, June 13, aims to raise a mountain of cash to fight heart disease - the UK's number one killer.

The BHF has organised a sponsored "step up challenge" - where people are asked to shun lifts and escalators for the week and use stairs instead.

The idea is for participants to be sponsored for each step taken - and the charity hopes to raise more than £1m.

Worcestershire residents are urged to climb the Malvern Hills, which totals 2,790 steps, the 330 steps of Worcester Cathedral's tower, or even the stairs of their home.

As part of the campaign, the BHF will also be holding collections across Worcestershire and is urgently looking for volunteers to join its fund-raising teams.

The Big Red Fightback will officially kick-off in Worcestershire with the Hearts First Worcester Bike Ride on Sunday, June 6.

The ride, which will be officially started by Alison Dowling, who plays Elizabeth Pargetter in BBC Radio 4's long-running radio drama, The Archers, offers 10 and 20-mile routes through Worcestershire country lanes.

To take part in the step up challenge call 0800 028 2091, or visit bhf.org.uk/fightback for a free fund-raising pack with all the details of how to get involved. To volunteer, contact Ms Donna Stokes on 0121 3532087 and to register for the bike ride call 0800 169 3672.