GYM bunnies were visited by guide dogs as they teamed for a relay to trek more than 100km in a single day.

Regulars at YourZone gym in Stanway were given treadmills to help replicate Alison Byrne’s upcoming Yorkshire 100 challenge, where she will have 24 hours to complete the distance around Harrogate.

Participants are asked to raise money for Blind Veterans and Guide Dogs charity and the treadmill walkers all donated £10 each which will go towards the charity.

Alison will be joined on the walk by daughter Harriett Timmins and son-in-law Matt.

She said: “We were trying to replicate the walk I will be doing in June and managed to do it in 14 hours.

“It was a long day but lots of people wanted to help and the guide dogs came down which acted like a bit of support.

“It was a great day with a really laid-back atmosphere to help raise money.”

Harriett helps to train guide dogs with each one costing roughly £50,000 to help them through the rigours of learning how to help people.

Alison, who lives in Colchester, added: “It is a huge amount and something people may not think about.

“A lot of dogs do not complete their training and it could be for a whole host of reasons - they might have a skin condition which needs to be treated daily which a blind person would not be able to help with, anything like that.”

Alison, 53, who has previously cycled between Lands End and John O’Groats for charity and is deep in training for her latest challenge.

She said: “I have been pounding the streets of Colchester a little bit to try and get ready.

“You have to be prepared to walk a good distance, not necessarily 100km but a decent amount and make sure you do not get any blisters.

“I have certainly made sure I’ve got myself a very good pair of walking shoes.”

Alison is hoping to raise £850 for Guide Dogs on the walk on June 17.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Alison-Byrne2.