AN ambitious skiing marathon at Blacklands, near Calne, is set to emulate a Swedish race, listed as the longest Nordic ski race in the Guinness Book of Records.

Members of the Blacklands Leisure Health and Fitness Club will take to the club's cross trainers for the 24-hour marathon on November 11 and attempt to equal the famous 89km Vassaloppet race.

Individuals will each ski for 30 minutes in a bid to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal.

The event will be opened by Joan James,78, who was airlifted to hospital by the air ambulance three years ago when she had a heart attack at Bradford upon Avon swimming pool.

The skiing marathon is open to anyone who wants to join the fundraising effort.

Everyone will be asked to pay £7.99, when they book at the centre and the money will go to the air ambulance.

Those entering the challenge will be able to get temporary membership for seven days.

Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, spin, aqua and legs, tums and bums classes.

On completion of the temporary membership the club is also offering to discount the full membership fee by 50per cent.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance has to raise more than £200,000 a year, depending on the number of hours flown.

On average the service needs more than £4,000 a week to stay in the air.

All those interested in joining the 24-hour skiing challenge can call Blacklands Leisure on (01249) 813672 for more information.Or they can call in to the centre in Stockley Lane.