Take a hike

The South Downs just south of Petersfield during the recent hot spell

Four workmates in Liss say the recent October heat has helped them with their training for a trek in the Sahara desert next month.

The four colleagues who work for Five Pennies Communication, say the conditions during their recent training on a part of the South Downs Way were similar to those they expect to experience in the Sahara.

The firm has something of a tradition of encouraging employees to take part in overseas charity projects. Don Yercoats, managing director of the firm, said: “We get good press and the staff get a holiday in the sun – I’d say it always works out pretty well.

“Providing the employees in question take the time out of their annual holiday entitlement and don’t expect additional leave, there isn’t a problem.”

Carrie Mee, the only female in the foursome has clearly done her homework. She said: “The Sahara will probably be quite hot, we are also expecting it to be dry and from what I have read, fairly sandy.”