A TEAM of four intrepid fundraisers are gearing up to ride 1,200 miles from Spain to Bourton - on a customised Tandem bicycle.

Tony Hughes, aged 32, and Kevin Goodwill, 26, of Bourton, will be riding on their Hobgoblin Tandem with James Hicks, 27, and Michael Morris in the support vehicle.

The friends plan to leave La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, on Thursday, May 8 and cycle through three countries and the Pyrenees Mountains before returning to The Kingsbridge Inn, Bourton, on Sunday, May 25.

They have already raised about half of their £10,000 target for Stow-based Kate's Home Nursing, which provides care for people in the final stages of a terminal illness through fundraising events.

Mr Hughes, who is the landlord of the Kingsbridge Inn, said riding on a tandem was quite a daunting prospect.

"At first it's quite scary if you're on the back as you've no control and you have to put your trust in the guys driving it," he said. "You get used to it but at first it's quite nerve racking.

"I think what will get us through is the mental attitude to it and that it's for a good cause. And there will be the sense of achievement. I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be an experience I can tell my grandchildren about."

The team have been preparing for the challenge and have already ridden from London to Brighton on the tandem, which has been customised by Hobgoblin, WychWood Brewery.

And Mr Hughes has been going out most day son his bike as well as putting in the hours in the gym.

His team mate Mr Hicks, of Bourton, who works as a cashier at Lloyds Bank, in Stow, said the idea started off as a bit of a joke in the pub.

"It's a challenge, " he said. "I don't think people think we can do it. But we're going to do it and prove them wrong. It's going to be entertaining. We'll have ups and we'll have downs.

"Hopefully the 18 days will run smoothly."

To sponsor the team, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FundraisingforKates.