TWELVE pupils from Abberley Hall School in Great Witley are taking part in a 140-mile cycling trip to South Wales in aid of charity.

Leaving school at 4am, the children and five members of staff, hope to finish the challenge by nightfall.

Their destination is Manorbier in Pembrokeshire and the pupils will take it in turns to cycle in a relay.

Richard Tooby, head of science at Abberley Hall and leader of the trip, said: “This is an enormous challenge for the pupils as they are only 12 and 13 years old but we were inundated with volunteers.”

A minibus will accompany the challengers to help rest the cyclists who are not on their leg of the relay.

Mr Tooby added: “It will be really tough but we are fully prepared, both physically and mentally.”

Pupils and staff hope to raise hundreds of pounds for Help for Heroes. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/Abberley-Hall.

Children taking part in the cycle include Pierce Owen, Alexandra Worrallo, Manuel Antuna, William Warren, Tristran Lywood, Henry Myers, Marco Gomez and Patrick Daniel.