A Yorkshire Dales hillwalking and trail running event this month will raise vital funds for the Cave Rescue Organisation.

Participants in the CRO Ingleborough Challenge on 18 May can choose either a 12 or 26 mile route exploring the area around Ingleborough (the second highest of Yorkshire's famous Three Peaks) with the longer route going over the summit of the mountain itself.

The event will raise funds for the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO), a mountain and cave rescue team that covers the peaks and the surrounding area.

Originally founded in 1935, the all-volunteer CRO team, based in the Dales village of Clapham, now answers up to 100 calls annually.

Individuals doing the 26 mile route are asked to raise at least £25 and those doing the 12 mile are asked for £15.

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Sean Whittle, chairman of the CRO, said: "Like other mountain rescue teams, we rely on public support to cover our operating costs.

"The CRO Ingleborough Challenge is a major fundraiser that helps us provide a vital service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"We're very grateful to all of the runners and walkers who help us by participating."

One special participant in the challenge will be Ella Jackson of Ingleton, who completed the 12 mile walk last year but now has her sights set on the 26 mile route - at just nine years-old. She is doing the circuit with her mother Andrea Jackson and friend Becky Townend.

To sponsor Ella visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ella09 or for more information go to www.cro.org.uk/challenge.