A team of drivers will be swapping buses for bikes in a marathon cycle ride to raise cash for charity.

The three bus drivers from Keighley and District Travel -- Steve Brier, Brian Thorpe and Russell Wilkes -- are looking forward to the Cycling for Life Experience UK Charity Cycle Marathon, supported by the Keighley News.

At Keighley Show tomorrow Keighley and District Travel manager Stuart Wilde will present each of them with a bike, bought by the company from All Terrain Cycles, of Cross Hills. The drivers are set to pedal approximately 100 miles a day on the 880-mile trek from John O' Groats to Land's End to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder Care.

Steve Brier, fundraising co-ordinator and treasurer of the project, explained: "The actual ride will start on September 6, next year, but 880 miles is a massive challenge and it will require a huge team effort, so we need 12 months training, preparation and fundraising to ensure success. We are delighted and grateful to the agricultural show committee for allowing us to launch Cycling for Life at Keighley Show.

"It's a brilliant way to start."

Steve added that cancer now affected one in three people during their lifetimes and that 25 per cent of all deaths each year were cancer-related.

"Fundraising will be done by sponsorship, donations, functions, gifts, raffles and a large auction. The entire objective is to raise lots of cash for our two worthy causes, Cancer UK and Sue Ryder Care," he said.

The cyclists and other staff will be on the showground throughout tomorrow, with a Keighley and District single decker bus, handing out leaflets and explaining the project. At 3.30pm they will be presented with their bikes.