A GROUP of sporty girls from Innerleithen are set for the challenge of the summer.

And every penny they raise will go towards a local care charity.

School friends Anna Tweedy, Lauren Nightingale, Ellie Gordon and Emma Currie from St Ronan’s Primary have chosen to take on their first charity challenge to raise funds for Cornerstone, who provide care and support for adults, children and young people with disabilities and support needs.

The 11-year-olds will be put through their running, swimming and cycling paces when they take part in a charity triathlon this weekend.

The challenge which is set for Sunday will see the young fundraisers run four miles from Innerleithen to Cardrona followed by a swim of 40 lengths and finally a four mile cycle back to Innerleithen.

The girls have gathered great support from their local community, with the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel offering free use of the their swimming pool, both in their training sessions and for the challenge itself.

The group were inspired to raise funds for Cornerstone after hearing about the good work the charity does.

Emma’s mother, Angela Currie, is a support worker for local service, Cornerstone Connects.

The service operates in Galashiels providing a range of fun and inclusive activities for adults with disabilities and support needs.

The money the girls raise will go towards Cornerstone Connects, enabling them to purchase necessary materials for activities and fund outings for the group.

Aileen Knox, service manager for Cornerstone Connects, said: “We are all so thrilled that the girls have chosen to take on this amazing challenge for Cornerstone.

“The money they raise will be a huge help to our service and the girls should be extremely proud of their fundraising efforts!” If you would like to find out more about the challenge or support the girls fundraising efforts please visit their Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/EELCharityTriathlon/