Simon Giles, 22, from Hill Head, and Matt Wadham, 21 from Stubbington, thought of the idea in the pub just weeks ago and plan to set off on January 9.

Riding on a tandem bike made by Matt's grandfather, the cyclists will battle hilly terrain and busy roads along a 300-mile route in a bid to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

They hope to complete the journey within five days.

They plan to stay overnight with friends and relatives along the way.

Matt said: 'We were down the pub two months ago and started talking about doing something really different.

'It started out as a journey for us both to do as we both have a bit of time on our hands at the moment.

'But then we realised we could do it for a good cause and it has just taken off from there.

'We have been doing a bit of training and did 72 miles to Brighton in one day the other week.

'It was hard work but it went well. You do get some odd looks from people – how often do you see two guys on a tandem bike?

'We got a few toots of the horn and a lot of encouragement along the way. I just can't wait to get out on the open road and do it.'

The tandem tourers, who both went to Crofton School in Stubbington, aim to raise £500 for Leukaemia Research.

Simon Giles, whose grandmother is chairwoman of Fareham and Gosport Leukaemia Research committee, recently graduated from Swansea University.

He said: 'We thought if we are going to raise money for charity, then we may as well do something a bit unique.

'A tandem bike was a great idea to grab people's attention.

'When we got to Brighton Pier the other week it felt like an amazing achievement.

'So when we get to Land's End it is going to feel 10 times better.

'We both hope this is just the start of something big.

'We want to take it further and go around France or somewhere.'

For more information and to make a donation visit justgiving.com/simon gilesmattwadham

michael.powell@thenews.co.uk