A GUNNERTON couple battled unrelenting rain as they got their fundraising canoe challenge under way.

Sharon and Myles MacInnes started out on the testing 60-mile Great Glen Canoe Trail on Thursday, hit by constant rainfall as they aim to complete the stretch of the Caledonian Canal from Corpach, in Fort William, to Clachnaharry, in Inverness.

They are joined by friends Phil and Chris Barnes on the adventure, with the keen Hexham Canoe Club members raising money to support the struggling Wark Sports Club.

You can follow the progress of the MacInneses on Facebook through the page The Loch Hoppers.

People wishing to support the couple can donate via www.justgiving.com/wark-recreationalcharity1