A group of women are joining Davina McCall's personal trainers to tackle a gruelling exercise challenge in memory of their friend.

The 22-strong team will try to complete six of the Big Brother presenter's workout DVDs back-to-back - almost nine hours of exercise in total.

Their event is being held in memory of fitness fanatic Jan Laney, from Wilmington, who died in February last year, aged 59, after suffering a stroke. All cash raised from the Davinathon will go to The Stroke Association.

Karen Rawlings, 35, a personal trainer from Welling, said: "Jan was such a fit person, she was always working out at the gym and played netball regularly, so it was such a shock to lose her to a stroke.

"Her death was so unexpected and really devastated all of her friends. We decided that we wanted to hold a fundraiser in her memory and thought a fitness challenge would be perfect."

The challenge, which takes place on Sunday, February 20, will see the group burn about 3,200 calories. Among those taking part are Donna Nicholas, 39, from Joydens Wood, Carol Smedley, 52 and Holly Smedley, 24, both from Wilmington.

The group has set up a fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/davinathon and has already raised more than £620.