TWO young men are cycling from Stanley in County Durham to Oxford on a tandem bike to raise money for a homeless charity.

Matty Stephenson and James Gilbert will ride hundreds of miles together over four days, setting off on Saturday, October 25.

Money raised from the challenge will go towards Shaid, which works with homeless people aged 16 to 25 in the Derwentside area.

Matty Stephenson, 29, of Ryde Terrace, Catchgate, works as a chef, and James Gilbert, 25, who lives in Tanfield, is a management trainee for Enterprise Car and Van Rental.

They met while working at the Black Horse at Beamish when Mr Stephenson was a chef and Mr Gilbert part of the bar staff.

Mr Stephenson’s mother, Alison, who is an apprentice housing and advice officer at Shaid, experienced homelessness as a teenager.

She said: “It has given Matthew an insight into this and a determination to do what he can to help others in the same situation.

“James also has a strong belief that everyone should have a home, especially the younger they are, as they are vulnerable and often need help towards living a complete life.”

To sponsor the duo log on to givey.com/shaid