TWO childhood friends are limbering up for a 25-mile charity walk.

Josie Osborne and Shelley Ayres, both 57, will set off, on July 3, for a two-day trek along northern England’s historic Hadrian’s Wall, to raise money for Christian Aid.

Mrs Ayres, of Albion Road, Benfleet, and Mrs Osborne, of Heather Drive, Hadleigh, met 48 years ago when they were pupils at King John School, in Benfleet.

Mrs Ayres said: “We love a challenge, needed to get fit, and have a desire to make our efforts count for others.

“Christian Aid provided the perfect opportunity.

“We love walking round Hadleigh Downs and along the seafront, so having a focus for our walking is so exciting.”

The intrepid pair will spend a night under canvas as they walk along the wall, which stretches 84 miles and was built by the Romans in AD 122.

After completing training walks of up to 16 miles to prepare for the challenge, the pair are feeling ready in most respects.

But Mrs Osborne, who helps her husband run Renown Fisheries, in Leigh, has worries other than blistered feet.

She said: “Sleeping in a tent will be the biggest challenge I face. I have never been camping.”

Other challenges they have undertaken include learning to ski, taking up salsa dancing and scuba diving, and going on a stunt flight.

The friends hope to raise more than £500 each for the charity. To sponsor them, visit www.justgiving.com/josieosborne