Linda Cann may be a novice when it comes to kayaking but she is unfazed by the prospect of using one to tackle the River Kwai in Thailand.

The 43-year-old hairdresser from Keighley will be facing many other challenges far removed from the comforts of her hairdressing business, Tatty Head, at Ingrow.

She will spend six days trekking through rugged jungle in the remote north western part of the country, rafting, elephant-riding and visiting the famous bridge over the River Kwai, built by British prisoners of war captured by the Japanese in the Second World War.

Sharing the hardships in aid of the National Heart Research Fund, and giving moral support, will be her 45-year-old friend Anne McCartney and 19-year-old student Lauren Stott, both of Steeton.

Anne, an accountant, cannot even swim.

The three women have taken up the Charity Challenge adventure in a bid to raise cash.

Two years ago, Anne and Linda raised £6,000 with a sponsored walk along the Great Wall of China for the Sue Ryder hospice at Manorlands, Oxenhope.

"Anne and I both love travelling and this challenge is a way of enjoying that and also raising funds for a good cause," said Linda.

"Our trip to China was brilliant, but this will be more of a challenge.

"I didn't even know what a kayak was. I can swim so I should be okay."

Anne said: "This will be a great challenge. We like challenges. It has not got to be easy or people wouldn't sponsor us."

She said Lauren was keen to join the expedition on hearing of the challenge.

The trio will set off on February 19 for the ten-day adventure, which will include staying with native people in bamboo stilt houses on the banks of the Songkaria river.

They are to hold a fundraising event at The Lamb, Oxenhope, tomorrow, including a raffle drawn by BBC weatherman Paul Hudson.

Prizes have been provided by Keighley businesses, including Fitness First of Keighley.