THREE friends from Herefordshire are to journey to the centre of the Earth.

Glenys Willis, Catherine Dobson and Danielle Marsh will travel through China's three giant gorges before the centre of the world disappears in a swirl of water.

Glenys and Danielle, staff at Much Birch Doctors Surgery, and Catherine, who works at the Hunters Lodge Residential Home, Wormelow, will embark on their expedition along the Yangtze Kiang River next year, raising £2,500 each for Acorns Three Counties Appeal.

"I'm really looking forward to it. It looks like a good way to raise money for charity and working in a surgery I am more aware of the needs of children," said surgery practice manager, Glenys.

They will walk through the gorges between May 25 and June 3, just a week before a dam is closed and the gorges are flooded forever.

Acorns' director of fundraising, Simon Burne, has already walked along the magical river, believed by the Chinese to be the centre of the world.

"The Yangtze roars through the gorges which climb as high as 3,000 feet. The trek follows the ancient pathway built by the Ming emperors, so slaves could haul ships up the river.

"Each gorge is different. Sometimes you are walking along paths cut into the cliff face, at other times you are walking through clouds of jasmine flowers, orange groves and terraced fields of rural China," said Simon.

The three ladies are raising funds for the trip. A black tie dinner will be held at Wormelow's indoor bowling centre tomorrow night and Nearly the Full Monty will wow an audience at Little Birch hall on Saturday, December 14. Tickets are available from Much Birch surgery on 01981 540021 or Hunters Lodge Residential Home on 01981 540185. To trek the gorges for Acorns contact Emily Henton on 0121 2484802.