A COMMUNITY support officer from Bewdley is raising money to trek through Peru in aid of a charity close to her heart.

Becky Skinner is taking part in the Inca Trail for the charity Scope, which helps people with cerebral palsy.

The five-day hike, which will take place in May, begins in the heart of the Urubamba Valley and takes participants past snow-capped peaks and glacial lagoons.

It finishes in Machu Picchu, the city which was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century.

The 22-year-old, who chose Scope as she has a cousin with cerebral palsy, said: "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.

"The Inca Trail involves hiking between eight and 10 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."

The officer, who is based at Bromsgrove Police Station, has raised £150 so far but needs to increase that to £3,000 by March to be able to participate in the trek in May.

She has planned a fancy dress party and a barn dance.

She is also hoping to pack bags at supermarkets to try and raise funds.

Anyone interested in making a donation or helping Becky raise money can contact her on 08457 444888, extension 3240, or log onto www.justgiving.com/rebeccaskinner