FIVE super-fit prison officers from North Yorkshire will be cycling nearly 100 miles to compete in the Great North Run this weekend.

Once they have completed the half marathon, they will be cycling back home again to York. They are attempting the mammoth challenge to raise money for two charities in the region.

The officers from Full Sutton Prison - Andy Wright, Mark Stafford, Kev Copeland and Noel Cookson - have been training for months in preparation for their 200-mile round trip. They will be leaving from York's Clifford Tower at midnight on Saturday to arrive in Newcastle in time for the run.

Prison officer Sean Kelly, 27, is a little apprehensive: "I'm an ex-professional cyclist, and even for me it is going to be a real challenge. We've been training hard during our lunch breaks every day for the past four months.

"I am dreading it but I'm sure once we set off we will be all right. The other officers at the prison have sponsored a lot of money and it will be going to two very good causes."

The officers have raised about £2,000 so far. The cash will be shared between the Asthma Campaign and the Wilf Ward Family Trust, in Pickering, which supports people with learning and physical disabilities.

To sponsor the officers call (07977) 266317.