THREE friends are set to embark on their greatest challenge yet - cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for charity.

Kevin Bates, 51, of West Walton, Jim Atkin, 54, of Elm and Martin King, 46, of March, will cycle the length of the country to raise funds for their chosen charities.

The trio have been training since February and have covered an average of around 500 miles a month as they’ve cycled across East Anglia to prepare for their mammoth challenge.

Mr Bates said: “We began cycling together and thought we’d like to tackle the famous route but quickly decided we’d like to do it for some good causes.

“Initially we thought it would be a great personal achievement to complete it but raising money has now taken on more of an importance.

“There’s a bit of nervous apprehension but we’ll be there to support each other when it gets tough and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Mr Bates is tackling the route - which is around 1,000 miles - to raise money for Adam’s Appeal.

Adam Bird is a seven-year-old who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat of all paediatric cancers, in 2009. Money raised from the appeal could help send him abroad for treatment.

Mr King is cycling to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Charity and the Woodland Trust while Mr Atkin’s chosen charity is Children with Cancer.

• Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at the following addresses.

Mr Atkin: (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jamesatkin1)

Mr Bates: (www.justgiving.com/kevin-bates2)

Mr King: Prostate Cancer Charity (www.justgiving.com/martin-king2/) or Woodland Trust (www.justgiving.com/martin-king3/)

• You can follow the trio’s progress during the ride - which begins on September 3 - by following Mr Bates on Twitter - @krsetab