Kington nurse Valerie Owen is in strict training for the trek of a lifetime.

She is heading for the astounding scenery but less than hospitable terrain of Nepal and Tibet, well described as 'the roof of the world.'

Subject to her receiving enough sponsorship, she hopes to take part in the Trek Tibet in aid of Mencap, which leaves London Heathrow for Kathmandu on May 6 this year, and returns 13 days later.

The trek, along with almost 100 others willing and able to help Mencap, is by way of celebrating her 60th birthday on May 15, says Valerie, who has two great-grandchildren.

She prides herself on her fitness, and perhaps because of this, members of her family are giving her their full support.

"When I told my eldest granddaughter about it, she just said 'That's great!'", she said.

Valerie, a popular nurse at Kington Cottage Hospital is delighted to help Mencap, the charity that works with people with a learning disabilities, their families and carers.

All those taking part in the trek have to raise £2,500 in sponsorship money, with £1,500 by March 10, and £1,000 by June 22.

At least 90p in every £1 of Mencap's total funding goes directly to the service it provides.

A number of local firms and generous individuals are helping her fundraising efforts, including Tarmac, Burgoynes, Liftserve, Ralph Higgs, Blanchworth Care, South Shropshire Housing Association and M & M Sports.

Local impresario Paddy Mayglothling arranged for a concert by home-produced talent at the Kington Town Football Club to help Valerie's sponsorship fund.

For the same cause, and at the same place and time, Mary Watkins is organising a bingo session on Wednesday, February 21.