A BROMSGROVE-BASED police community support officer is in a race against time to raise £3,000 for charity by doing a sponsored trek in Peru.

But, she hopes to enlist the aid of the communities in her 'patches' in the North Bromsgrove sector.

Becky Skinner is taking part in the Inca Trail in May, but has to raise the money by March to take part.

Proceeds from the event will go to Scope, a national organisation for people with cerebral palsy.

The five-day hike begins in the heart of the Urubamba Valley and takes the walkers past snowcapped peaks and glacial lagoons. It finishes at the lost city of Machu Picchu, an orchid-draped ruin which had lain abandoned to the forest for 500 years until being re-discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.

Becky, aged 22, from Bewdley, is based at Bromsgrove police station. She chose Scope because she has a cousin with cerebral palsy.

"It's great to have the chance to be able to raise money to help people with the same condition so they can receive the same amount of support he has received," she said.

"The Inca Trail involves hiking between eight and ten hours a day, at altitude, so it is going to be a real challenge.

"I have already started to train for it by improving my fitness at the gym, and spending a large proportion of my time on foot patrols really does help."

Becky has raised £150 so far in just two weeks. She is contacting local schools, especially those in her designated areas of Sidemoor and Catshill, to ask if they will help raise funds by holding a non-uniform day.

She is also hoping to leave donation boxes at banks and churches, make collections at local pubs, and pack bags at supermarkets.

Other events planned include a fancy dress party and a barn dance.

Anyone interested in making a donation or helping Becky raise money can contact her on 08457 444888 ext 3240, or go to the website www.justgiving.com/rebeccaskinner