A SOUTHAMPTON-based maritime welfare charity is calling on people from the city to get involved with its new Loch Ness challenge event .

Sailors’ Society, which supports seafarers and their families around the world, is looking for people to canoe almost 60 miles of the Great Glen and raise funds for its work.

The charity, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in March, has its head office in Woolston as well as a Seafarers’ Centre and charity shop on East Street.

Rebecca Bridgen, who is running the event for Sailors’ Society, has decided to take part herself.

She said: “Our chaplains provide a variety of services to seafarers; whether it’s practical help like a lift to the shops, access to Wi-Fi so they can talk to loved ones or emotional support after a crisis such as piracy, abandonment or imprisonment, they do inspirational work.

“I’ve never stepped in a canoe before but am looking forward to the challenge!

“If I can do it, so can you.”

For full information, contact Rebecca on events@sailors-society.org or by calling her on 02380 515950.