SIX Ryedale mothers set out this week on a 166-mile circular walk around Yorkshire to raise money for a cash-strapped charity which aids disabled youngsters.

Their ambitious project - which will take 14 days to complete - was given a send-off with an impressive array of good wishes, including one from the Duke of York. Other goodwill messages came from the singer Dame Janet Baker and the Dean of York, the Very Rev Raymond Furnell.

The women - Rose Woodhead, Francesca Horsfield, Gwyn Shepherd, Sue MacLeod, Sara Craig and Lou Howard - set off from the Asda store at Huntington in York on a route which will take in the Wolds and the Cleveland and Ebor Ways.

"We are hoping to do 14 miles a day over the hills and dales - hence the reason for calling our venture Over the Hill 2002," said Mrs Woodhead.

"We have been offered numerous baths, beds, breakfasts, lunches and dinners and help with transporting our luggage which is wonderful. We are even hoping for the odd glass of wine to soothe our aching muscles after a long day's walk. It will be great fun, though the prospect has seemed a little daunting!"

The mothers will be raising money for the York-based charity SNAPPY, which offers help and support to children with special needs and their families.

By raising around £20,000, SNAPPY - which stands for Special Needs Activities and Play Provision for York - would be able to set up a project for teenagers and adults with profound disabilities, said Mrs Woodhead.

"The project will provide a combination of life skills and social events which are vital to this age group, and give respite for families and carers."

Among other good luck messages has been one from Berwick Kaler, whose pantomimes have been breaking records at York's Theatre Royal for years.

He said: "I have been 'over the hill' for years and I'm glad to see someone else is catching up with me!"

The Duke of York, in his message, said: "The aim to raise funds to create opportunities for children with special needs in York is vital and I hope that, whatever the target, you exceed it."

Anyone wishing to support the team's fund raising is asked to contact Mrs Woodhead on (01904) 489630 or (07711) 288195.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, March 07, 2002