TWO best friends from Darlington are preparing to cycle from coast to coast – on a tandem.

Kieran Spencer and Richard Smith will embark on the fundraiser in memory of Brian Wilson, a friend's father who lost his fight against pancreatic cancer at the age of 53.

The pair, both students at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, will set off from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, on August 11 and expect to arrive in Sunderland three or four days later.

They are hoping to raise £1,000 for the Marie Curie cancer charity and have been in training for their ride.

Kieran said: "Marie Curie is a superb charity that touches the hearts of so many people – we want to support them and hope others will too.

"We will do the hard work and we are asking for donations through our Justgiving page."

To support the friends, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/RichardSpence

The pair will be updating friends, family and followers about their journey on social media – find them @richardandkieran on Instagram and look for Richardandkieran on YouTube.