SOLDIERS stopped off at Northwich on Thursday as part of a gruelling challenge supporting Combat Stress, the Veterans' Mental Health Charity.

Warrant Officer Second Class Danny Hirst and Captain Josh Conway are members of the Corps of Royal Engineers, and are running 400 miles in 10 days.

They set off from the Combat Stress centre in Surrey on August 3, heading for the charity's centre in Birmingham, and will finish at its centre in Ayr.

Their overnight stops included Woodbine Cottage Caravan Park at Acton Bridge on Thursday.

Danny came up with the challenge, which he named Run 2 Recovery, during his recent tour to Afghanistan.

"Combat Stress is a very important charity to Danny as, several years ago, a good friend committed suicide after returning from a tour in Afghanistan," said his wife Elaine.

"Danny believes if his friend had found support in the form of Combat Stress he may have seen alternative options, and Danny and Josh are taking on this tremendous challenge to make a difference.

"This physical and mental challenge is overwhelming, and support from the public would boost their morale greatly."

Danny and Josh are aiming to raise £10,000 from the challenge, and anyone wishing to support them can visit www.justgiving.com/Danny-Hirst4 or www.justgiving.com/Run2Recovery.

People can also follow www.facebook.com/R2RCOMBATSTRESS.