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 1939-45 war.

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

Anne, an accountant, can't 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 by 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.

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

The trio will set off on Thursday, February 19, for the ten day adventure, which will also include staying with native people in bamboo stilt houses on the banks of the Songkaria river. They are to hold a fund-raising event at The Lamb, Oxenhope, tomorrow including a raffle drawn by BBC weatherman Paul Hudson.

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