A team of charity staff and volunteers are set to pack up their dog harnesses

The five-strong group from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (BDCH) are planning to head to the chilly far north of the globe to travel 200km with huskies.

Renata D’Addio, Samantha Tuduwage, Kristina Johansen, Tasha Church and Sarah Barber are already looking forward to the March 2011 jaunt, which they hope will raise £15,000 for the non-profit body.

Ms Johansen, who has volunteered with BDCH for four years, remarked: “This is also a once in a lifetime experience for me and it will no doubt be a huge challenge. I will have the chance to see huskies in one of their natural working environments.”

Veterinary nurse Ms Church added that it is a privilege to help animals regain their health – and it is this thought that will drive her on during the challenge.

BDCH cares for around 12,000 cats and dogs every year.