TAKE on a challenge by bike or on foot and raise cash for Acorns Three Counties Appeal, which is backed by the Advertiser/Messenger.

Three challenges are planned for 2003 to raise funds for a new children's hospice in Worcester for life-limited children from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Plan ahead for October next year and a trip to the Yangtze River when the Three Gorges Trek will be the last one before the area is submerged in a dam-building project.

In September 2003, there's the six-day Three Countries Cycle Challenge around Lake Constance, which is flanked by Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

Closer to home in July there's a Three Counties Walk with a choice of the whole 30km or one leg of 10km.

"We've made sure there's something for everyone, no matter what your age or how fit you are," said Challenge Events co-ordinator Emily Henton.

For sponsorship details call 0121 248 4802.