Wenches in Trenches hike to collect for ABF

A number of women are set to go on a hike in the Somme to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) – The Solder's' Charity.

Some 70 women have signed up for the 21-mile trek and each of them have agreed to collect at least £500, the Leigh Journal reports.

The event has been dubbed Wenches in the Trenches and the majority of those taking part are married to or are mothers of current servicemen.

Sue Robinson has admitted she is shocked by the interest the activity has generated.

"It's going to be a wonderful occasion and I'm sure that all the ladies taking part will go home with some special memories of their time and of the significance of their efforts," she added.

The walk will end with a short ceremony being held at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, which commemorates the 72,195 men who died in the Battle of the Somme and do not have graves.

Posted by Samantha Thompson