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

Simon Watson and Daniel Werges, pictured, 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 to Mexico before shipping it into Cuba to hand it over in person to medical staff.

Today Simon, a Bradford University student, and Daniel, a disabilities rights worker in Keighley, 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.

"Cuba has one of the best health services in the world, yet it is surviving on a shoe-string budget and is short of essential equipment because of the United States blockade of the island."

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

Among the events were regular salsa nights, which attracted crowds of more than 200, at the New Beehive Inn, on Halifax Road.

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.

"We will be travelling from America, via Mexico, to Cuba. I'm very excited, but a little nervous about the border crossing because of the problems we might face," said Simon.

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."

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

Dr Richard Solomans, who runs a practice from Keighley, has just returned from a nine-day fact-finding mission to Cuba

He said: "The standard of health care is remarkable considering how poor the country is and the fact that they spend a fraction of what we do in England.

"They have plenty of medical expertise but they just don't have the equipment because of the US blockade so this ambulance would come in very handy if it gets through."

Last year one of the two ambulances bought were featured in the Lord Mayor of Bradford's Parade.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Stanley King, said: "Fundraising is so difficult at the present time because there are so many good causes to support. It is commendable to raise so much money for this ambulance for Cuba."