Ten local ladies are preparing to undertake a charity challenge next month as they attempt to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for charities which are close to their hearts.

Workers from Cookes Heating Limited, based at the Sweet Briar Industrial Estate in Norwich, are to climb the 3,560ft mountain in order to fundraise for three worthy causes.

The girls will trek up Wales' highest mountain in order to raise money for Help for Heroes, the Alzheimer's Society and Breast Cancer Campaign.

The walk, which will be held on Saturday, May 12, will take place in Gwynedd in North Wales where the girls will be starting out on their challenge up Mount Snowdon.

Melanie Newton, 38, from Costessey, who is co-owner of Cookes Heating Limited and who has organised the charity fundraiser, said: 'These are charities which are close to all of our hearts.

'We chose to walk up Mount Snowdon because it is a challenge, but it is a challenge which is achievable for us.'

She said: 'Although the girls are quite active, none of us have any experience of trekking. We have been preparing for the walk by going to the gym, walking around Norfolk and attending Zumba classes.'

Melanie, 38, from Costessey, will be joined by her namesake sister-in-law, Melanie Newton, 29 and also from Costessey, and eight others on the walk.

They are: Louise Jacobs, 41, from Costessey; Leigh-Anne Franklin, 23, and Rachael Matthews, 24, both from central Norwich; Julie Francis, 42, and Claire Ewer, 38, both from Thorpe St Andrew; Emily Basey, 20, from Gorleston; Kayleigh Chenery, 21, from Wymondham; and Bryony Coleman, 19, from Hardingham.

Cookes have been the main sponsor for the event, paying for the girls' charity fleeces and tee-shirts, the hotel which they will stay in and the mini-bus which will take them on the four-and-a-half hour drive to North Wales.

Melanie added: 'We have raised over �1,200 through online donations alone and we expect to raise another �1,500 by the time we walk in May.

'Although it is forecast to be very cold in Snowdonia this May, we are all really looking forward to it. The walk is all we talk about at work and not much is getting done because of it!'

You can support the girls by donating to their cause at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Cookes

Are you planning a charity challenge? Contact Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk