INTREPID staff members from a York shop have braved the elements on a challenging charity walk.

A hardy trio from York's Chocolate Story, Ben Rosenfield, Mark Watson and Kieran Wade, pulled on their hiking boots for a 23-mile trek along the North Yorkshire coastline last week(Aug 15).

Their aim is to raise at least £500 in aid of Make-A-Wish UK, which works tirelessly to grant seriously ill children's wishes.

The route - taking in Whitby Abbey, Robin Hood's Bay and Scarborough Castle - is usually recommended as a two-day journey, but the pals completed it in just nine hours, in spite of a detour due to an unstable path, which added roughly two miles to the original walk, and everything the weather could throw at them.

Charity co-ordinator Kieran, who came up with the idea to do the walk, said: "Though it was a tough day, it's nothing compared to what these young people are going through.

"Their bravery is incredible, as are the efforts of Make-A-Wish. [It is a] charity whose tireless work with seriously ill children is both humbling and inspiring.

"Its objective is to give these young people their one true wish and such an amazing organisation deserves brilliant support."

Ben added: "The next day it hit us, but it was all worth it. It sounds corny, but you get a burst of energy when you think about the charity."

The team are still raising funds with a JustGiving page and intend to run more events throughout the year.

To boost the team's fundraising total go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ycscoastalwalk .