GURKHAS plan to cycle thousands of miles to the Himalayas - to help Nepalese War veterans return to this country.

But the signallers, from 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, will not actually travel anywhere - and will instead complete their marathon on exercise bikes.

More than 60 Gurkhas based at Imphal Barracks, York, will turn to pedal power for 32 hours in the foyer of Asda, at nearby Monk's Cross.

The city's Lord Mayor, Charles Hall, joined them for a warm-up cycle at Courtney's Fitness Centre, which is lending the equipment for the event.

The 4,560-mile ride starts at 8am tomorrow and will continue through the night, finishing at 4pm on Saturday.

Shoppers can make a donation to the Gurkha Signals Veterans Appeal, which hopes to raise £15,000 to bring 20 Second World War veterans, and those who fought in subsequent conflicts, from Nepal to the UK to take part in the Remembrance Day commemorations.

"The Gurkha Signals Squadron is due to deploy to the Gulf shortly and so, because of operational commitments, we plan to bring the Gurkha veterans over to the UK next year," said Captain Krishna Bahadur Gurung, the squadron's second-in-command.

So far, the fund has raised £10,700.