TWO friends from Chepstow will be taking a 1,500 mile journey on their motorbikes from John O'Groats to Lands End in aid of three charities.

Paul Burley and Jamie Methuen will be riding their bikes as part of Operation 4 Corners which will see them travel the length of the UK in four days.

The duo who will be avoiding motorways on their journey and aim to raise £6,000 to be split between the Teenager Cancer Trust, Heronsbridge School Bridgend and 1st Battalion, The Rifles (1 RIFLES), infantry battalion.

Mr Burley, 45, a senior engineering manager, said: "We want to not only raise money for our chosen charities but to also raise awareness. I am closely associated with the Teenage Cancer Trust through my involvement with the under 17’s car club who chose the charity to be the main beneficiary of their fundraising and we choose the Rifles as they have a strong presence here in Chepstow.

"We initially wanted to take part in the Isle of Man TT but couldn't find accommodation so we asked the Lands End-John O'Groats Association how we could make the route more challenging. He suggested riding to the four extreme points which is just shy of 1,500 miles."

Mr Burley rides a 1985 Kawazaki GPZ 900 and Mr Meuthen, 41, originally from Risca who is a senior manager for the NHS will ride a Honda VFR800 built in 2008.

Mr Burley added: "We are both quite excited for the trip. I have been on long distance rides before in Ireland but this will be all new to Jamie."

The riders will start at John O’Groats on June 9 before making their way to the most northerly point of Duncansby Head and will then head west to Ardnamurchan, Scotland. On the second day they will travel to the most easterly point, Lowestoft Ness and day three they will journey to the south via the Ace Cafe in London, Brighton and onto the south coast.

The final leg will be on the fourth day which will be along the south of the UK to The Lizard and then onto Land’s End.

The duo have raised £286 so far and are looking for sponsors to fund the costs of fuel, accommodation and tyres. For more information visit www.op4c.com.

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/teams/OP4C