Disabled and able-bodied youngsters are joining forces to raise money for a heart charity.

About 30 youngsters from the Brandon Youth Project and the Durham Disabled and Able Bodied Group are to undertake the coast-to-coast bike ride to raise funds for the charity Cry - Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

Don Readman, who will lead the ride, said Cry was chosen because of a friend's son's cardiac-related death five years ago. 

The able-bodied cyclists will begin their 146-mile journey from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, on Friday morning.  They hope to reach Roker, in Sunderland, on Monday. 

Their disabled peers will join them over the Saturday and Sunday. 

Mr Readman said: "Cry aims to have every young person in the country scanned for heart problems.  The condition is like cot death for adults, and often affects fit and healthy people. 

"One of the young people came up with the idea of giving the money to them. 

"We've been on a few training rides together and some of the young people have been riding on their own, and we're looking forward to it."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the young people taking part in the bike ride is asked to call 0191 378 743.