SEVEN intrepid Suffolk police officers and a Suffolk County Council worker are to take to the hills for this year's Trailwalker UK Gurkha Challenge.

SEVEN intrepid Suffolk police officers and a Suffolk County Council worker are to take to the hills for this year's Trailwalker UK Gurkha Challenge.

Since it began in 1981, thousands of walkers around the world have taken on Oxfam's 100km challenge to walk, run and hike 100km (64 miles).

Over nearly 30 years, more than US $70 million has been raised to help overcome poverty and injustice.

This year, detective inspector David Dring, Det Sgt Bryan Harwood, sergeant Darren Oxbrow and Ipswich Pcs Andrew Moore, Jonathan Cuff, Thomas Farrell and Felixstowe constable Trevor Dale will be representing Suffolk Constabulary at the event.

Alongside them will be SCC's Paul Emeny, who used to work for Suffolk police.

The two teams of four have joined forces with Anglian Willhire, which has donated two minibuses as support vehicles.

The Gurkha Challenge takes place on July 18 and 19 with the entrants hoping to complete the 100km in 18 to 20 hours.

The event, held between South Downs Way and Brighton, is so gruelling more than 100 teams of the 500 that take part fail to complete the challenge each year out.

The Suffolk teams are hoping to raise �3,000 for the benefit of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.

Although they receive sponsorship and have organised charitable events such as quiz nights, they still need support to reach their goal.

Any sponsorship in what ever form from local businesses or individuals would be welcomed. Please contact PC Moore at Ipswich police station on 01437 613500 or log on to www.justgiving.com/ipswichbobbies.