TWO of the Civil Service Benevolent Fund's regional staff will be walking more than 90 miles to raise money for the fund.

Eileen Beech, of Devizes, and Stella Wells of Penarth, Wales, will walk the White Horse trail, taking in eight White Horses in Wiltshire on May 18.

Ms Beech, who is the fund's regional co-ordinator for the South West, and Miss Wells, will be accompanied by a border collie, Marlie.

The women hope to raise £1,000 for the fund, which awards grants, allowances and loans to civil service staff when they fall on hard times.

Ms Beech said: "Most people have this image of civil servants wearing bowler hats in Whitehall with well paid jobs.

"The reality that we see every day is very different. The majority of civil service staff work for less than the national average salary and many of them work in very stressful environments, such as Jobcentres or Benefits Agency offices.

"Last year was our busiest ever in helping people through tough times."

Anyone who would like to join the women on the walk or sponsor them should call Ms Beech on (01380) 728180.