NORTHWICH Flood Relief Fund has been set up by a group of friends who hope to raise £20,000 for independent businesses hit by the floods.

Residents of all ages are being encouraged to walk, run or ride to help get waterlogged shops get back on their feet.

Altogether they aim to reach a target of 970km, the distance from John O'Groats to Lands End.

The challenge has already taken off as £3,000 was raised just hours after the appeal launched.

Whether it's a 5k run, walking the dog or simply 10 minutes out and about each day with the kids, everyone is invited to take part.

Chris Todd, 39, from Winnington, who set up the group with a group of football mates, said: "We all support Man Utd and watch football together.

Northwich Guardian: Businesses across Northwich have been left devastated by the floodBusinesses across Northwich have been left devastated by the flood

Businesses across Northwich have been left devastated by the flood

"We personally know a number of businesses that have been affected and felt helpless seeing the impact that the floods would have on their livelihoods.

"We wanted to try and help. With lockdown, we thought the best way was to get people doing something positive and healthy, walking running or riding for Northwich."

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Tracy Hollinshead has already started to row 191km on a machine at home, the length of the River Weaver and River Dane which meet in the town.

Northwich Guardian: Fundraisers are challenging everyone in Northwich to walk, run or ride to raise £20k for Northwich Flood Relief FundFundraisers are challenging everyone in Northwich to walk, run or ride to raise £20k for Northwich Flood Relief Fund

Fundraisers are challenging everyone in Northwich to walk, run or ride to raise £20k for Northwich Flood Relief Fund

"The response has been amazing," said Chris. "People want to get involved, it shows the spirit we've got in Northwich.We're looking to push 'February for the Floods' to encourage families to get out and complete challenges.

"We just want to get everyone working together to ensure we have a great town to get back to when we can.

"Lots of places are not insured because of where they are. We want to get funds raised whilst this is fresh in everyone's memory and then we will allocate the funds afterwards."

Northwich Guardian: Traders battled through the flood carrying heavy sandbags to protect their shops as Storm Christoph battered the townTraders battled through the flood carrying heavy sandbags to protect their shops as Storm Christoph battered the town

Traders battled through the flood carrying heavy sandbags to protect their shops as Storm Christoph battered the town

Northwich Business Improvement District, Northwich Independent Retailers Association, Made in Northwich, Northwich Rotary Club and Northwich Life have all pledged support.

The group is grateful for all the help they have received and would like to say a special thank you to Amanda Cope from Made in Northwich for raising awareness.

Friends who teamed up with Chris to launch the appeal include Andy Ryder, Matt Burgess, Andy Wood, Tom Dent, Chris Astles, James Scott and Mike Bradley.

It is free and easy to get involved. Everyone is asked to record their activity through this Strava group strava.com/clubs/northwich-floods-distance-club-839486.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/northwich-floods.