Plans by three women to jet to New York and on to Ireland to raise money for charity have been grounded by air rules.

Nicky Green, 34, a cook in Ilkley's Ardenlea Cancer Care Centre, and her friends Debbie Bentley, 32, and Tracey Waterman, 34, planned the trip as part of the Marie Curie Cancer Care "Dash to Dublin".

The dash, which starts today from five UK starting points including Bradford's Cedar Court Hotel, challenged fundraisers to get to Dublin in under 24 hours, spending no more than £15 per person.

And your very own Telegraph & Argus is sending a team to Dublin consisting of reporters Heather Bishop, Olufunmi Majekodunmi and Charles Heslett.

Money raised goes to the charity and its £5.2 million Bradford cancer care centre appeal.

There are prizes for longest route, wackiest fancy dress, and most money raised.

Nicky and chums were set to drive to Heathrow Airport - dressed as the Three Musketeers - fly to New York and back, then on to Dublin.

But, Nicky explained: "We'd got everything organised when we were told US air regulations mean you have to spend more than one-and-three quarter hours in the airport and go through immigration, otherwise it is what's known as an illegal connection. As we would have spent less time in the airport, we couldn't do it."

Rather than let their flight of fantasy hit the ground the team arranged to fly to Paris - still the longest route.

Tracey had to pull out at the last minute but Nicky and Debbie are taking a doll called Betsie in her place on the plane.

Peter Mason is taking a Blues Brothers team, with a USA Highways Patrol car to Dublin which he is showing pupils at St Winifred's School in Holyhead, Bradford, this morning.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.