TWO intrepid men are embarking on a two-week traditional horse and cart journey to raise money for charity.

Alistair Mitchell, owner of Musbury Fabrics, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, and neighbour Tony Alderson, both of Stacksteads, are riding in a traditional Bow Top gypsy caravan to Appleby's annual horse fair.

They plan to reach the town by the end of the week and raise £2,000 for the mayor's charity.

The pair set off on Saturday and hope to travel around 20 miles a day.

They admit it will be far from easy but with the help of Alistair's children's Driving Cobs -- Jimmy and Micky they feel confident they will make the 220 mile round trip to Cumbria and back.

Alistair bought the Bow Top last year after it was custom made by a Heywood man, and this is his first attempt at such a distance.

His children, Jamie, nine, and Beatrice, seven, are also optimistic that their horses will manage the journey.

Alistair and Tony have notched-up £1,600 but are looking to push that figure to £2,000.

Employees at Musbury fabrics, customers and suppliers have all chipped in to help raise funds for the mayor's charity.

Alistair said: "We decided we would make the charity trip because Jimmy works effortlessly to help raise money for the community and good causes.

"We are looking forward to it because it's a challenge and we get to see life on the road, take in the scenery and the surroundings in a different way than you would in a car. There is so much to see along the way, it's also the physical and mental exhilaration, the skill and the peace and quiet that you get travelling in the countryside that attracts people to do this."

The route they are taking goes through Accrington, Great Harwood, Clitheroe, Sawley, Westmill, Skipton, Devils Bridge, Kirkby Steven up to Appleby.

Alistair added: "We are not going to push the horses because of the heat so if we can do 20 miles in a day then that will be good going."

Councillor Jimmy Eaton today thanked Alistair and Tony for their efforts. He has so far raised £23,000, and has already organised a sportsmen's dinner in July to raise money for the senior citizens annual party.

He added: "It's wonderful that people are still raising money. We have just finished deciding where all the money will be distributed and have had two requests which came in late. We still have some outstanding money to come in so if we can find some way of helping them as we will do."