A RYEDALE woman is taking on the challenge of sledging 200 miles across frozen lakes in the Arctic.

Sarah Newlove, who lives in Yedingham, is travelling to Norway next March to complete the six-day expedition in aid of the Countryside Alliance Foundation.

The 34-year-old regularly takes part in races with her own four huskies in this country.

She said: “I bought one as a pet but found it hard work by itself, so I got another and they had two puppies. I regularly train with them in Dalby Forest and compete in Suffolk with a friend.”

Sarah, who works as a housekeeper, said she found out about the Arctic dog sledge challenge through her employer.

“I just thought it would be a really good thing to do, as well as a challenge,” she added.

Sarah will join 13 other participants on the challenge with each expected to feed, harness and look after their dogs for the trip.

Each will be provided with a sledge and a team of up to six huskies and will be led by a local guide and expedition leader.

Sarah said that she needs to raise £4,700 in sponsorship, with half going to the Countryside Alliance Foundation which promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment.

She said: “At the moment I am going round all the local agricultural shows collecting sponsor money. I’m really looking forward to doing the expedition, although it will be quite hard work and I will need to work as a team with my dogs to get through it.”

If you would like to sponsor Sarah, phone 07972 535067.