PRESTON Athletic players are swapping their football boots for hiking boots as part of a special fundraiser.

A mix of supporters, committee, management and players are looking to tackle Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnain at the beginning of next month.

Twenty-five determined walkers are aiming to scale more than 6,500 feet in aid of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) First Division side.

Among those getting involved are co-managers Paul Currie and John Daly.

Paul, who includes Raith Rovers, Berwick Rangers and Arbroath among his former clubs, said: “It was just an idea that Brian Burnett [from the committee] came up with to raise a wee bit of money for the club.

“We have got a guy who works with us who really likes to do Munros.

“He goes out every other weekend and it was just an idea to get a wee bit more funds into the club.

“I have never done one before and I think for the majority this will be the first one.

“I’m told it is not as easy as you think!

“I am quite looking forward to it and it will be a good laugh.”

The Arrochar Alps in the west of Scotland are made up of a series of climbs over 3,000 feet.

Beinn Narnain measures 3,038 feet while Beinn Ime is the area’s highest peak at 3,317 feet.

Paul, who works with East Lothian Council, stressed the importance of getting money into the club.

He praised the work of Mr Burnett in helping generating extra income.

The player/co-manager said: “He is excellent.

“He organisers speakers and he does a really good job for the club.

“We are never going to compete with the big boys like Camelon where somebody is coming in with thousands of pounds.

“We have got to work on things like this.”

Paul, 38, who began his career at Musselburgh Windsor, joked it was almost like a first day of pre-season for the players, who will be aiming to challenge for promotion to the EoSFL’s top tier next season.

Among the players signing up are Craig Innes, Brad Donaldson, Sam Gray, Jack Gillan, Michael McFarlane and Kieron Jack.

He added: “The guy I work with says it is harder on the legs on the way down but I think it will be alright.

“As I say, I have never done it before and I might be a bit sore in the morning.

“At my age, it is all about recovery!”

To support the club, go to gofundme.com/f/preston-athletic-munro-challenge-1st-of-june