A group of central Somerset school friends are preparing to ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to help raise funds for charity.

Jeremy Linter, Adam Bown and Lee Molland from Street and Nick Curtis from Compton Dundon all went to Crispin School and Strode College together.

"It was Adam's idea to perform a different physical challenge each year, he phoned us all and asked us to take part and we all said yes straight away," said Mr Linter.

"We are all very competitive and fit people and we all participate in a number of sporting activities including football, cricket, rugby, tennis, squash, golf, a few half marathons – and now cycling.

"In my opinion it will be more of a surprise if we get everything ready before the ride, rather than actually completing the physical challenge, as we are all fairly unorganised people," he said.

The boys have also instigated a penalty system which they hope will help raise more money for charity, and will fine each other for arguing over directions, falling off bikes, getting flat tyres and "being smelly".

The group will be leaving John O'Groats on August 5.

"Most people allow themselves 10 to 14 days to complete the ride, but we – stupidly or naively – believe we can do it in eight, riding approximately 120 miles a day," Mr Linter said.

The group will use the expedition to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and BIBIC and they have set themselves a fundraising target of £2,500.

"We've had a lot of support from the local community and Avalon Leisure, G A Doble, Sporting World and Em Print have already given us monetary donations, while, BioSynergy is supplying us with sports drinks and energy bars," said Mr Linter.

"We would also like to encourage people to join us as we cycle through Somerset on August 11 and 12.

"Details of where riders can meet us will be put on our website, if people are interested they can contact us via our website at www.ridethelength.co.uk."