ARCHERS have taken on a unique challenge tied in with the Olympic Games in Paris.

Winnington Park Bowmen members are currently in the midst of shooting the equivalent distance from John o’ Groats to Lands End and then on to Paris.

They are doing so throughout the outdoor season to celebrate the Olympics, in which archery plays a full part, and to raise funds for a charity close to members’ hearts.

“As a club, we wanted to do a charity challenge to help raise funds for a local cause,” said Winnington Park Bowmen events co-ordinator, Michelle Oakes.

“St Luke's Cheshire Hospice is our chosen charity as it does such great work for families in our area and a number of our archers have been supported by St Luke's care in some way.

“Our archers have taken on the challenge during their outdoor season between May and September.

“The total distance is approximately 1500miles by arrow. For every arrow that leaves an archer’s bow, the distance that the arrow travels to the target will be collated to give us our overall distance by the end of the season.

“Our archers are currently just south of Calais with around 180 miles left to travel to Paris.

“All of the archers from our club have been raising funds and our total currently stands at £860 from our target of £1000.”

Mandy Shaw, part of the fundraising team at St Luke's Cheshire Hospice, has visited the club and helped to keep everyone on target.

“She told us about the amazing work the hospice does and how much money it takes to provide care and support for families,” said Mandy.

“They are really impressed with our unique challenge and are extremely grateful to us for working so hard to achieve our target.

“Mandy has even shot a few arrows herself to help us along our journey.”