A GROUP of rugby-loving friends from West Somerset will be stepping out along the South West Coast Path to raise money to help disabled and disadvantaged children.

Dave Dunster and Andy Eastaugh, who work at Hinkley Point B power station, will be joined on the walk by Dave Lamb, who works for Minehead bagpipe makers David Naill and National Trust Holnicote Estate ranger Paul Camp. Tim Barrett will be their support driver.

The four, who set off this Saturday, will be walking the 36 miles-long Exmoor section of the coast path in just 15 hours - with only ice-cream, water and ‘sock stops’ scheduled along the way.

The group are all keen rugby fans having played for Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club in the past and currently coach the club’s junior players.

As a result, they decided to support the sport’s official charity, Wooden Spoon, and have already raised more than £770 of their £1,200 target.

“We thought that attempting to walk the Exmoor section of the South West coast path in 15 hours or less, non-stop, would be a worthy challenge,” said Dave Dunster.

“Knowing there are children in our community and nationally that don’t get the opportunity to play the sport, due to disability or circumstance, made the decision to do this very easy.

“Wooden Spoon is a fantastic charity and we really hope to raise a significant amount for them.”

The group will be making pre-planned stops to take in refreshments - and put on fresh socks - in both Lynmouth and Porlock Weir and are inviting supporters to join them for a ‘leg’ of the walk.

The team will set off from Combe Martin at 4.30am on Saturday, June 11 and aims to reach journey’s end in Minehead by 7pm the same day.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the walkers can log-on to the website www.justgiving.com/DaveD-PaulC-DaveL to make a donation.

Alternatively, donations can also be made via a mobile ‘phone by texting ECPC99 to 70070 followed by the chosen amount.