A DEDICATED group of Herefordshire residents is hoping to keep up its 24-year tradition of taking 10 children with learning difficulties on holiday.

HCPT (Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust) aims to give the kids a fantastic French holiday and their parents the chance for a break and the opportunity to spend time with their other children.

HCPT volunteer Claire Crump said the children received individual care and attention 24 hours a day throughout the trip, where they saw some amazing places, enjoyed fresh mountain air and shared in the uplifting experience that is Lourdes.

The Herefordshire group of HCPT has been working tirelessly to raise the necessary funds to take another group of children to the French resort next Easter.

Among the events organised to raise cash is a charity auction at Hereford Town Hall at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 21, with lots including an activity day for 10 at Taste for Adventure, a tandem skydive and a UK Survival Bushcraft weekend for two.

Many children from Herefordshire have benefited from the trip over the past 24 years and each year, schools, local groups and individuals can nominate a child.

Nominations are still open for next year's visit to Lourdes. Anyone who would like to know more can visit the website at www.herefordhcpt.org.uk, where they will also find a full auction catalogue, or call group leaders Rach or Paul Thompson on 01531 631132.