Two friends are to take on a gruelling Yorkshire challenge for a special school.

Shepley-based Sarah Erving and Rachel Armitage are putting in the paces in preparation for their attempt at the 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks walk on May 7.

They aim to tackle the trio of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside in less than 12 hours, to try raise as much money as possible for Castle Hill School at Newsome, which Sarah’s 13-year-old daughter, Maya Black, attends.

The school, which educates children from three to 19-years-old, is in desperate need of a new £75,000 sensory pod, which will improve the learning of those with visual impairments and behavioural problems.

Neither rain or snow has put off daring pair Sarah and Rachel, both 41, who have been tackling local hills in their training.

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“The training’s been very hard in between work but also a lot of fun”, said Sarah, who works as a teaching assistant at Wooldale Junior School and has another daughter, 18-year-old Olivia.

“Doing it for the school, which is very close to my heart, is also a great motivator.

“We’ve been practising by walking on Marsden Moor and we did a 20-mile walk. I’ll just be glad to get around on the day but we want to do it as quick as possible.

“We’ll be staying in a bed and breakfast in Horton in Ribblesdale the night before and plan to celebrate with a trip to the pub in the village after.”

Lifelong friends Rachel Armitage (left) and Sarah Erving (right) are walking the Yorkshire three peaks in May to raise £1000 towards the £70,000 target for the Castle Hill School Sensory Pod appeal. Sarah, a teaching assistant at Wooldale Junior School who's daughter Maya (centre) is a pupil at Castle Hill and Rachel, a professor of criminology at the University of Huddersfield aim to complete the challenge in welll under twelve hours after hours of practice on the often snow covered hills of the Colne Valley. They are pictured with Maya's school friend Lucy Riley at the launch of their fundraising at the Castle Hill School,

Sarah explained the importance of raising money for the school.

“The school has done so much for my daughter so I thought it was time to give something back to them.

“The sensory pod is really important because although the school has a sensory room it is very oversubscribed.

“This one will be outside in the playground.

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“It’s made of waterproof wood and can fit six adults.

“There are lights, smells and vibrations, so it’s really good stimulation for those who can’t see.

“You can even buy add ons for it which can give people the experience of being at a cooking session, with the sound of whisks and the smell of chocolate.

“But it’s also good as a chill out space for those with behavioural problems.”

Anyone who would like to donate to Sarah and Rachel’s cause should visit their fundraising page at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sarah-erving-1?utm_id=90