HAVE-A-GO James Greenall decided to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice by climbing into a canoe for the first time in his life and getting family and friends to sponsor him.

James, who works at Smiths in Nelson and lives in Hapton, got pals to sponsor him for paddling as many miles as possible in eight hours on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

After starting from the Bridge pub at Hapton, James managed to complete 25 miles, cheered on throughout by family and friends.

He is now hoping to collect more than £2,000 for the hospice.

James said: "My grandfather had cancer, was admitted to the hospice and died a few days into his stay. I know that he appreciated the help and kindness that the hospice staff showed during his last days.

"I will always be grateful for what the hospice did to make him comfortable towards the end of his life."

He added: "I had been thinking of unusual ways to raise money and I came up with the idea of a sponsored canoe event, even though I hadn't been in one ever before - that was the challenge!" Christina Cope, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: "I am astonished by the amount of sponsorship James has raised and I really admire his determination to reach his goal.