Ian Swallow and Michelle Skeet, of Hanging Heaton, joined Martyn Hill, of Netherton, setting out from Shepley Bridge Marina on a 35ft narrow work boat last Friday.

Their trip will raise money for the Mirfield-based charity the Safe Anchor Trust, which takes elderly and disabled people out on day trips.

The journey follows the Pennine Ring route through Huddersfield, Manchester, Ashton, Rochdale, Hebden Bridge, Elland and Brighouse.

Ian, 22, will be skipper on the voyage.

He works as an electrician with Kirklees Council, and became a volunteer with the trust because he wanted to work for a charity without being stuck in an office or a shop.

He said: "It's a very taxing route for the crew and very physically demanding. There are 200 locks, and we pass through the Stannage Tunnel in Marsden, which is three-and-a-half miles long.

"We're hoping to get donations as we go round. As well as the crew of three we'll have people coming on the boat for day trips at various points."

The boat, the Lady Brenda, was originally built for offenders doing community service to use while clearing tow paths.

Trust founder Les Moss said: "It's basically a floating skip with a tent on it.

"The crew will be roughing it. They'll be allowed to nip off for a pint at night, but the rules require them to come back and sleep on the boat."

This will be the second such trip for Michelle, a 19-year-old trainee accountant.

She said: "Last time it chucked it down for a week and it was awful.

"This time I think I'll stay under cover and do the cooking and cleaning!"

The group is hoping to use the proceeds to buy another boat for the Safe Anchor Trust.

The trust provides trips on the waterways, particularly for people with special needs, mobility problems, and the socially disadvantaged.