Fundraisers to cross Channel for Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes stands to gain from a special cross-Channel challenge that will see a team sail across the waters to France and into the heart of Paris.

The group, based at Oakhill Academy in Whalley, will set off from London in their open boat, before crossing the Channel and travelling down the River Seine into the French capital, reports the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times.

Local jeweller Philip Goldsmith has even donated  a £300 Citizen watch to help the sailors record their times on the waves and beat their personal best.

He is a friend of the family of team member Will Smith and he said: "I've known Will's family for years, so when I learned what the team were doing for charity I wanted to support them."

To date, the super-fit charity fundraisers have been overwhelmed by donations totalling more than £27,000, but they are still aiming for more and believe they could raise as much as £50,000.