Two Ipswich neighbours are gearing up to cycle the length of Britain to raise money for charity.

James Campbell, 49, and Maurice McQuitty, 56, are taking on the 986-mile ride from Lands’ End to John O’Groats this June to support Fresh Start – new beginnings.

The charity offers therapy to sexually abused children in Suffolk and Norfolk.

To pair have already raised £2,500 – enough to take one child off the charity’s waiting list.

Mr Campbell said: “We are both fully funding all the costs of the ride ourselves, but no long distance challenge would be complete without trying to do some good for the community. Having learned about the great work that Fresh Start – new beginnings does from another of our neighbours, who volunteers in their fundraising office, we increasingly felt it was something we needed to support.”

Patsy Johnson-Cisse, fundraising manager at Fresh Start – new beginnings, said the charity team was “really grateful” for the gesture.

She added: “With the generous support of individuals like Jim and Maurice, as well as corporate organisations, we can continue to help children and young people in Suffolk and Norfolk who have disclosed sexual abuse to recover from their trauma. “

Donations can be made to Mr Campbell and Mr McQuitty online.