Two brothers tackling a gruelling charity rally have won backing from a soap star.

Wayne and Andy Barrett are taking part in the Mongol Rally, from London to Mongolia, riding Easy Rider Gorilla' motorbikes.

They will set off in July on the 8,000-plus-mile journey. They aim to complete the trip without a back-up team or any satellite navigation equipment.

This week the duo was backed by actor Peter Armitage - Bill Webster in Coronation Street - who is providing memorabilia from the soap for auctioning.

The Keighley brothers hope their adventure will raise £10,000 for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation, a charity dedicated to the care of vulnerable youngsters.

The pair are long-standing customers at Colin Appleyard Motorcycles in Keighley, which is supplying the bikes for the mammoth trek. Easy Rider is providing a spares kit for each machine.

Andy said: "Everyone thinks we're completely barmy. But Wayne did it last year and found the whole experience very moving and rewarding, so this year I've decided to join him." Wayne said: "When I finished last year I was totally and utterly shattered, but to see the plight of the children struggling to survive by living rough on the streets in temperatures that drop to -30 degrees in winter broke my heart. I vowed there and then to do the rally again and try to make a difference."

The rally, which leaves London on Saturday, July 21, crosses five mountain ranges and three deserts and must be completed in under six weeks.

Anyone wishing to sponsor them can donate online at www.justgiving.com /mongolmonkey.

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