TWO friends who went on a daring motorcycle trek from Lands End to John O’Groats have raised more than £1,500 for a Stourport charity.

Despite being novice bikers, Debbie Millington and Becky Matthews completed the 1,708 mile challenge in eight days and tripled their original fundraising target of £500.

They carried out the fundraiser in support of the Leapgate Activity Centre that will support young people with learning difficulties.

Neither of the pair are experienced riders and only passed their tests less than a year ago. The task was made even more difficult as Debbie, a 52-year-old from Stourport, was on medication for a back injury.

Becky, who is 42 and from Bewdley, also completed the challenge riding an old and very temperamental 125cc machine.

But none of these hurdles stopped them negotiating tough A and B roads for a charity that is particularly close to Debbie’s heart as her cousin Ben has learning difficulties.

Becky said: “We haven't finished fundraising but it's likely we will have tripled our original target and will be handing around £1500 to the Leapgate Activity Centre, a charity based in the Wyre Forest which will provide enrichment for young people with learning disabilities.

“We got home on Sunday, September 17 after travelling 1708 miles from Stourport-on-Severn, to Lands End and then on to John O'Groats.

“It took eight days, it was very wet, very windy and very chilly weather and we camped every night.

“As inexperienced riders we found it to be tough riding on some of the UK's greatest A and B roads.

“We passed through the rural roads of Cornwall, Devon, Cotswolds, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and up around the NC500 - it was a proper adventure.

“We would like to thank every single person who donated their time and money to support us, and we look forward to planning our next adventure.”