WALKERS are being urged to go the extra mile by clocking up 6,000 miles in 60 days.

Inverclyde International Women's Day Challenge aims to cover the same distance as from Inverclyde to Rwanda and will raise funds for Greenock-based charity Aid for Education.

It started on Sunday and ends on International Women's Day, on March 8.

Anyone can sign up and people's progress will be tracked virtually online.

Lynne Quinn, who is Inverclyde Council's designated women's champion, is fronting the campaign, alongside local life coach Marion Morrison.

Cllr Quinn said: "It's about a walking challenge in the run up to International Women's Day.

"It's a time of year when everyone is looking to get healthier and fitter and this challenge is about celebrating women in our community and linking up with those across the world and supporting a great charity, highlighting the work they do and telling the stories of women in Rwanda."

Greenock couple Sarah and Douglas Kakooza, founders of Aid for Education, work closely with women in the African country.

They run a farm and a micro finance project, where a £100 donation can help someone set up their own business.

Sarah said: "These projects enable women to earn an income and provide for their family, by sending their children to school.

"We think the walk is a brilliant idea."

Sarah says there will be milestones along the virtual route, with pictures and stories of women who have already benefitted from their initiative.

Local man Duncan Galbraith, who founded and runs the World Walking app, is part of the team organising and supporting the challenge.

He said: "We are looking at 50 or so people to take part to give us a good chance of completing the 6,000 mile walk to Rwanda in time for International Women's Day."

To sign up by see https://iwd.bigteamchallenge.com