FATHER and son Bob and Lee Mears are setting off on a journey through Africa - on motorbikes.

Both ex-forces, with the experience of military operations behind them, they will be guiding ten people on a motorcycling adventure of a lifetime to Timbuktu.

Lee, 30, a former captain who grew up in Malvern, left the army earlier this year and has set up a motorbike expedition company to run trips across Africa.

His first eight-week trip leaves later this year and he is taking his dad along with him.

Lee said his father's military background - he was in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - was a definite asset.

Bob Mears, who lives in Malvern, will drive a 4x4 support vehicle carrying camping equipment, spares, tools and first aid kits. However, he plans to join the other motorcyclists on two wheels when they drive off-road through parts of the Sahara Desert.

Lee first went to Africa when he was 18 and it was this trip, where he met a man travelling by motorbike, that inspired him to start planning the across Africa bike trips.

"It's a fantastic way to travel and Africa is an amazing place," he said.

The trips are aimed at people looking for excitement and adventure rather than a more traditional holiday. Further details are available on www.kuduexpeditions.com.