Seven young people are preparing to take on the 'wall' in a bid to encourage more people to become active.

The septet of Victory Housing residents will be joined by two volunteers from the organisation and two from Holt Youth Project on a rugged ride along the 80-mile route of Hadrian's Wall.

Victory Housing and Holt Youth Project set down the fitness challenge, which will be tackled from April 27 to 29. The costs, including travel, accommodation, training and support, and helmets, are being met by Victory.

The aim is to help young people become more confident through taking part, and to help Victory engage with them and give them a say in future plans.

The seven young people are: Liam Chidwick, from Holt; Chris Cole, from Holt; Lauren Goodall, from Baconsthorpe; Charlotte Hartshorn, from Holt; Brandon Prestney, from Edgefield; James Rudd, from Aylmerton; Ashley Shepherd, from Cley.

Holt Youth Project youth worker and gym instructor Jamie Merritt, who will be part of the support team, said: 'We have seven young people taking part, and they are taking it really seriously.

'We have been training to build fitness and stamina, and the group has got together for a number of practice runs, including on the Marriott's and Peddars ways, and a tough training ride through Thetford Forest.'

The second member of the Holt Youth Project support team will be manager Julie Alford, who has been working with Jamie to get the team ready for the challenge.

She said: 'They have really gelled as a group. Some of them have been using our Health Hut gym to improve fitness. They are so excited and up for the challenge.'

Twelve members of Victory's staff volunteered to take part in the challenge, and the two whose names were pulled out of the hat were David Lubbock, senior surveyor, and Nathan Thompson, financial accountant.

Mr Lubbock said: 'It's a big challenge in a beautiful part of the world, and it's good to be taking part alongside these enthusiastic young people. The training sessions have been going well, and everyone seems up for the challenge.'