INTREPID police officers are putting their best foot forward in an attempt to run a gruelling 22 miles to raise money for charity.

The squad hopes to raise cash for Rossendale Hospice after PC Martin Gallagher's father died after suffering with cancer.

Staff at the Rawtenstall-based hospice cared for Martin Gallagher senior throughout his illness, which has spurred PC Gallagher and his colleagues into raising some much-needed funds for the charity.

Martin, a Community Beat Manager in Crawshawbooth, will be joined by Rossendale PCs Chris Kett, Gordon McGeechan, Dave Lomas, Frank Romasanta, Gareth Henderson, Special Constable Mick McFadden and community support officers Nick Stratton and Ian Pickles.

They are attempting to run the 22-mile round trip from Haslingden Police Station through Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, Bacup, and then back to Haslingden.

And the nine-strong group is calling on the generous people of the Valley to dig deep into their pockets to help raise money for the hospice.

The team have started their strenuous training regime ahead of the big day on July 10.

Martin, 40, who lives in the Valley said: "We all have a great affinity with the hospice and realise what a brilliant job the staff and volunteers at the hospice do every day.

"I wanted to do this after the care and attention my father received when he was being looked after at the hospice."

Sharon Walsh, Rossendale Hospice's fundraising manager, said: "We think that it's absolutely fantastic. Without people doing things like this for the hospice we couldn't provide the services that we do.

"I would urge people to dig deep into their pockets and get behind the police officers in their energetic attempts to raise money for the hospice."

Anyone wishing to sponsor the team should ring 01282 472957.