PUB regulars from Winchester are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK when the women take on the men in a head-to-head survival challenge.

Two teams from The St James Tavern in Romsey Road will be heading off to Wales at the start of July for a 48-hour trek through the countryside.

They will be dumped somewhere in the Welsh hills on July 9 with limited rations and only two blankets between four, and then have to make it to a designated pick-up point for collection two days later.

Last year only the men from the pub took part, and managed to raise about £1,200.

Licensee Tim Hore said he hoped the two combined teams could get as much as £2,000, though they are all now seeking sponsors to reach their cash target.

He said: "We did it last year and ended up coming in third, so the girls will have their work cut out to beat us. It's all a bit of fun, but at the same time we can hopefully raise some much needed cash for Cancer Research."

Mr Hore added that this was just one of the many fundraising events being held at the pub over the next few months, such as a "promises auction" taking pace on June 19 where the prizes will include a week in Spain and the chance to drive a 44-ton truck.