AN ADVENTUROUS couple are taking part in an Indiana Jones-type adventure at the other side of the world.

Tom and Meg Morton's charity trek starts in Peru near the ancient Inca

capital of Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, and finishes in the Lost City of Machu Picchu, which was only rediscovered in 1910.

The arduous 25-mile walk, which will see trekkers reach heights of 4,700 feet above sea level in the picturesque mountain-ranges of the Andes, will hopefully see the Mortons and a work colleague raise almost £10,000 for The Children's Society.

Tom and Meg, right, have already begun a gruelling training schedule for the trek, which takes them to some of the remotest areas of the world

Meg, 48, who is used to reaching the heights as a qualified pilot and horticulturalist, is a regular walker in the Dales, but she says the main difficulty is preparing for the high altitudes faced in the Andes.

"The Andes are supposed to be the most stupendous place - absolutely awe-inspiring," she said. "It is an adventure for us, you feel like an explorer, and we're helping to raise money for a good cause at the same time.

"We have both joined the gym and I'm concentrating on getting my knees strengthened. I spend a lot of my time walking up Jacob's Ladder on the Chevin, only I have to keep reminding myself that the places I'll be going will be a lot steeper and there will be a lot less air around."

She said that she was particularly looking forward to discovering the 'lost' cities of the Inca on the route, as well as

investigating Peruvian flora.

"This isn't a holiday, it is going to be very hard work and difficult to

acclimatise," added Meg, of Prince Henry's Road, Otley.

The five-day trek at altitude includes steep climbs on narrow trails, through grassland, then cloudforest and then pasture land.

Meg is joining her husband Tom, 49, and his work colleague from Leeds accountants Pannell, Kerr and Forster, Bev Hulme for the trip in April.

But they first have to raise a minimum of £2,300 each - although between the three of them they hope to raise about £10,000. This pays for their trip and also goes towards the Children's Society.

They will be joined be 60 other people from across the country on the trip and will be accompanied by porters and a guide.

l Anyone willing to support The Children's Society on this venture can contact Mr and Mrs Morton on (01943) 461836.