Two charity workers face ten years behind bars and $250,000 fines for trying to break a blockade and deliver desperately needed aid to Cuba.

Daniel Werges -- a disabilities rights worker in Keighley -- and Simon Watson are set to face the wrath of the United States by breaking an international trade blockade on the Caribbean island.

The pair want to take £2,500 raised through charity events in Bradford to the US to buy a second hand ambulance and then drive it across land to Mexico before shipping it into Cuba.

This week Simon, a Bradford University student, and Daniel were warned by American officials to be on their guard -- or face serious penalties.

A spokesman for the American Embassy, in London, said: "People are always trying to send donations and we are aware of the situation. But if they get caught then there could be serious consequences."

Simon, 28, who is studying peace studies, said: "Cuba has been blockaded by the United States for the last 40 years.

"It is an illegal economic blockade, which has been condemned by the United Nations for the past seven years. No exports can get in or out. This ambulance will be of great help in an area in need of medical transport."

The Bradford Cuba Solidarity Group, which only has about a dozen members, raised the money by accepting donations, and holding fundraising events.

The duo will set off next month and plan to return in mid-July after delivering the ambulance and taking part in a ten day visit to Havana to see what the aid will be used for.

Daniel, 26, who works for the Independent Living Project, in Keighley, said: "We could face a ten-year jail sentence and a $250,000 fine if we are caught."

Last year the Bradford Cuba Solidarity Group paid for two ambulances which were part of 50 sent from Britain as part of the national health appeal.

"I went over to Cuba in 1998 and also last year," said Daniel. "The trip shows that we can help overcome a difficult situation and help make a difference."

A cheque for £2,500 was presented to the Bradford Cuba Solidarity Group at the Bradford School of Nursing by local GP Richard Solomons.

Dr Solomons has just returned from a nine-day fact finding mission to Cuba.