STAFF at firms across Cumbria are being urged to head for the trees to raise cash for charity.

The Windermere-based attraction Treetop Trek has launched an adventure challenge in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust North West and Cumbria.

It is inviting businesses to send teams of six people to its Brockhole site to help raise £5,000 for the charity on October 13 with the option to compete in fancy dress.

The teams - half of them blindfolded - will complete Treetop Trek’s aerial obstacle course, featuring 31 high ropes challenges and the giant 250m triple zip down to the Windermere shoreline.

Mike Turner, the founder of Treetop Trek, said the Teenage Cancer Trust was its chosen charity of the year.

The Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity and works with 13 to 24-year-olds with cancer and provides expert staff and specialist units within NHS treatment centres, organises presentations in schools and helps medical professionals and politicians to understand the needs of young people with cancer.

Mr Tuner said: “It is a fantastic and important cause and we’re proud to support their valuable work.

“We’d love Cumbrian companies to swap the computer for a daring few hours in the trees at Brockhole, boosting team morale and raising vital funds for this deserving cause.”

Each team must raise a minimum of £250 for the charity.

There will be prizes for the best fancy dress team and for the best team name.

Further prizes will be awarded for the fastest time taken to complete the trek, the most awareness raised on social media, and for the team that raises the most money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Businesses interested in registering a team for the fundraiser should call 015394 47186 or email groups@treetoptrek.co.uk for a registration form.