OXFAM volunteers are relying on pedal-power to boost a fundraising challenge for Syrian refugees.

The Skinnergate Oxfam store in Darlington is recruiting would-be cyclists to clock up 1,875-miles – the same length of a typical Syrian refugees’ journey to Europe.

The mammoth trek from Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, to the German border is often dangerous, but thousands of refugees risk their lives to escape the war-torn nation.

And members of the public are welcome to take part by completing a 30-minute stint or donating straight to the Refugee Cycle 2015 fund.

Mowden Park rugby players Michael Garmston and Steven Bell have already racked up the miles, popping into the shop to offer their best cycling efforts on November 19.

The charity has raised £175 so far and hopes to reach £200 by Sunday, November 22.

Oxfam volunteer Ethna Richards, who has cycled 1,100 kilometres so far, said: “We’re taking it in half an hour turns on the stationary bikes and so far all the volunteers have had a go.

“We’re trying to recruit as many people as possible to get involved and we’re asking people of all ages to try it.

"We want to raise as much money we can to help as many families and kids as possible."