AN intrepid trio are preparing for a canalside trek in a bid to reach the dizzy heights of the Andes.

Steve Jones, bar manager from Worcester's Giffard Hotel and regular customers Mick May and Richard O'Shea, are aiming to walk 17 miles from the city centre to Bromsgrove.

They are taking on this stretch of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to raise funds for their eight-day charity hike across the South American mountain range and rainforest.

The trek, which begins on Saturday, November 15, will also take in the dormant Cotopaxi volcano, the highest volcano in the Andes, and all money raised will go to national charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

Gema Dias, reception manager at the Giffard Hotel, who is also taking part in the trip, had originally planned it as something special for her 30th birthday.

But she recently found out a friend had cancer so she chose the charity.

"I am the type of person who would prefer to sleep in a hotel and soon I'll be sleeping in a tent - it'll be a challenge," she said.

The team needs to raise £2,500. Anyone interested in sponsoring them can contact Gema on 07966 168675.