Longhoughton Rangers will be running and cycling in relays round the outside of the county, to raise funds for the club and charity.

Young players, ranging in age from six to 15, will be joined by parents and coaches as they carry a Northumberland flag in stages round the 247-mile county perimeter.

Each stage of the two-day Northumberland Border Challenge will be between one and 15 miles, with one section, between Alnmouth and Amble, by lifeboat based at Boulmer.

The unique challenge kicks off at the club, four miles east of Alnwick, at 5.45am tomorrow, heads clockwise round the county and is due to finish at 6.15pm on Sunday, with everyone completing the last leg to Longhoughton village church.

The event has already raised more than £6,000 in corporate sponsorship and the money collected will be split between Longhoughton Rangers and Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal, the fund set up by broadcaster Kathy Secker to build and equip a home from home for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice, when built, will have a catchment area from Berwick to Teesside, providing care for the children and support for their families.

Club coach and event organiser John Stevenson said: "This is a massive challenge and hopefully it will bring the entire club together and give fun and enjoyment to all participants, as well as raising money for Grace House and ourselves.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Longhoughton Rangers to be part of what will be the only dedicated, stand-alone children's hospice in the whole of the North East."

Longhoughton Rangers Youth Football Club caters for about 180 boys and girls supported by 26 FA qualified coaches. Last year, it became the first club in Alnwick district to achieve the prestigious FA Charter Standard Development Club status.

For more information on Grace House, visit www.gracehouse.co.uk or email kl@gracehouse.co.uk