LEGAL eagles are lining up for a triathlon charity challenge laid down by the president of the Yorkshire Law Society.

The event at Castle Howard on Saturday is the first of its kind organised by the society, and aims to raise cash for York Against Cancer.

Peter Kay, senior director of Ware & Kay Solicitors and president of the society, has invited members to take part in a Super Sprint Triathlon.

This comprises of a 400m open-water swim in Castle Howard’s Great Lake, a 23km cycle and a 4km run through the estate.

The challenge is for the participating relay teams to beat Peter’s champion, William Kaye from Harrowells, who who is a serious triathlete has agreed to compete instead of the president for this great cause.

Mr Kay has pledged to pay £1 to his chosen charity for each minute that Mr Kaye beats the relay team. Mr Kay also hopes the relay teams will match his pledge and raise money from their friends and supporters too.

Six teams made up of society members are now in serious training. Marie Horner, Abbas Khan, Martin Thorpe from Harrowells will form a combined relay team. Andrew Jackson has registered a team of Richard Hoare, Sally-Anne Neal and Oliver Hall. David Hyams, Charles Stent and Gill Wilkinson form a team from Ware & Kay.

Mark Todd, Hannah Middleton and Hayley Crossman-Shaw will join forces and form the team for Quality Solicitors Burn & Co. There will also be two teams from Dere Street Chambers - Rachel Landin, Debbie Adcock and Karen Lennon, and Crispin Oliver, Edward Legard and Tom Dodson.

Mr Kay said: “There will be a huge turnout at the event and whether they are elite competitors or complete novices, all participants have been guaranteed a warm welcome.”

Mr Kaye said: “It’s going to be a tough day out with all the teams chasing me but I will do my very best to make the event as expensive for Peter as possible.”

Richard Hoare, head of private client services at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, said: “York Against Cancer does a tremendous job in supporting local people affected by cancer.”