Team camps out on Farne Islands

The team has to paint the lighthouse to earn a little luxury

A team of people has begun a three-night camp on the Farne Islands to raise money to save an historic hall and estate in Northumberland.

Eight members of the National Trust began the fundraiser, on Sunday, raising �3,000 for the campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall.

The team has to survive on water and food rations, but can earn luxury items doing tasks for the island's wardens.

The National Trust needs to raise �6.3m or the hall will be sold privately.

One of the team, Stewart McPherson, said: "The Farne Islands are very cold in November and it isn't going to be easy, but we're ready to give it our best."

Hard work

David Steel, head warden on the Farne Islands, said: "The team has got some hard tasks ahead.

"The lighthouse walls haven't been painted for around eight years and there's lots of essential maintenance work to do.

"We're going to make the most of their time on the islands."

The National Trust, which owns the Farne Islands, has until the end 2008 to raise the money needed to buy Seaton Delaval Hall.

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