WHILE most of us have resolved to make 2005 the year we get fit and lose those excess pounds, plucky plumbers, solicitors, nurses, engineers, bankers and HGV drivers stuck to their fitness regimes over the festive period in a bid to ensure they are in peak condition for England's longest, steepest and highest outdoor charity challenge.

Twenty-three teams have already signed up for the Wooden Spoon's Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge, which takes place in the Lake District on May 20.

Up to 40 teams of four, comprising three athletes and a support driver, are expected to take part and will canoe the length of Windermere (10.5 miles), cycle over Hardknott and Wrynose passes (26.5 miles) and climb Scafell Pike (3208 ft) all in the space of 12 hours.

Each team commits to raising at least £3,900 for Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish rugby union, which organises the challenge. The money is used to benefit disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK and Ireland and is currently funding around 40 projects.

The challenge starts at the National Trust's Fell Foot Park, at the southern end of Windermere. Teams paddle to the beach at Low Wray campsite on the north western shore then start a gruelling 26-mile ride over Hardknott and Wrynose involving 1,200ft climbs. After a change over at Wasdale Head, teams set off up England's highest peak followed by an eight-mile run into Langdale Valley.

In excess of £850,000 has been generated for Wooden Spoon projects during the past eight years. Last year the 29 participating teams raised a total of £171,904.

Anyone interested in entering can obtain further details from the challenge office on 01889-582889 or email challenge@eventsunlimited.co.uk for an entry form and information pack.