By Staff Reporter

Last updated 11:42, Tuesday, 17 June 2008

STAFF at a Carlisle travel agency plan to do their bit for charity with a sponsored 12-mile ice skate.

Employees at Thomas Cook’s, English Street will attempt the feat in aid of the new Critical Care Unit at the Variety Club Children’s Hospital in London.

Of the ten taking part in the challenge on Sunday, July 6 at Dumfries Ice Bowl, few are experienced skaters.

Participant Rhona Baty, 31, last skated at 16.

She said:”It’s just a bit more interesting than the usual walk through the Lakes.”

Calculating 87 laps of the rink for the 12-mile distance, she plans to do 100 to be sure, hopefully in four or five hours.

She added: “There’s a few of us who should get round ok, but there are some of us who’ll take a little longer.”

The distance was chosen in tribute to the first excursion by company founder Thomas Cook, a 12-mile journey from Leicester to Loughborough.

To donate to the campaign, drop ito the Thomas Cook offices or call on 0845 308 9195.