Forget the coast to coast challenge! Young people walked from castle to castle to support their community.

Eight young people spent their day walking more than 18 miles between Carlisle Castle and Penrith Castle to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice and Loveday House Care Home.

Cerys Ashton, 16, from Carlisle, said: “As a group we all decided it together as we all know a lot of people who have been to Eden Valley Hospice.”

They took on the challenge as part of their social action week for the National Citizen Service.

“We think it is a good way to get sponsors because it is for a worthy cause and it will challenge us all mentally and physically,” added Anna Couse, 16, from Carlisle.

The group is hoping to raise £300 for the two charities by walking between the two landmarks.

Cerys said: “We really did want to a walk; we didn’t know where but we thought the best choice would be doing a castle to castle.”

Although the planned route would take them on a straightforward path down the A6, there were still some concerns that it might not be as easy as that.

“I was a bit nervous in case we get lost but I think it will be alright,” remarked Carys.

On Tuesday, they held a bake sale in Carlisle city centre which raised more than £200.

Ashleigh Ward, NCS area coordinator, said: “They are wanting to get the name of Eden Valley Hospice out there even more and also raise as many funds for the organisation as possible.”

To understand just how important the Hospice is to the community, the group spent Monday volunteering alongside staff.

Anna remarked: “We have all known people who have been there - friends or family - and we know it is a good cause and how much we need to raise to keep it running.”

They will also host a tea-party at Loveday Care Home. During the summer, scores of young people spend one-month learning how to live independently and support their community.

Cerys said: “I decided to take part to meet new friends and I knew I would really enjoy doing new stuff that I hadn’t done before.”

A spokesperson for Eden Valley Hospice said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all the NCS volunteers who have supported Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice this week.

"It was brilliant to welcome them all to the hospice, as they helped to maintain the hospice grounds and keep them looking good during the summer months.

"We also hope they all had a brilliant time hosting their fundraising events in aid of the hospice too.

"The money they have raised will help the hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to local adults and children with life limiting illnesses."