Two best friends who set up a business in Bradford are set to run a half marathon in Prague in March - because of a bet.

James Mason and Stephen Sullivan, who set up Stairs-Direct UK more than a year ago, are running the race to raise cash for the Leonard Cheshire charity which supports people with physical and learning disabilities across the globe.

When the company, which distributes spiral staircases across the country, was founded it was inundated with requests from charities asking for help.

Mr Mason, a director at the firm, said: "Steve had previously taken part in the Great North Run for a cancer charity and myself and another friend foolishly bet him that we could beat his time!

"When the opportunity to run 13.2 miles in Prague came up, we had no excuse."

The pair, and their friend Michael, hope to raise about £3,000 for the charity.

Mr Mason added: "We were sent lots of letters from various charities asking us to sponsor them etc. "It was so difficult to choose one in particular that we thought we would go for the most adventurous with the greatest scope for raising money."

The friends, who finished university at the same time, set up the business after spending three years looking for jobs.

Dissatisfied with the opportunities available to them, they decided to set up their own business, but it was not until a chance meeting in Italy with the director of a leading manufacturer of spiral staircases that a plan was born.

Mr Mason explained: "We were in a bar and got talking to this well dressed Italian man who told us all about his company."

The trio will start the race at Prague's historic Wenceslas Square before heading off along the banks of the city's Vlatava River.

Mr Mason added: "If this event goes successfully we may follow it up later in the year with a fundraising trek to Borneo or the Himalayas."

To sponsor the runners contact info@ stairs-direct.co.uk or call 07766 501278.

e-mail: natalie.gosling @bradford.newsquest.co.uk