TWO teenagers are gearing up for an international fundraising challenge to support blind and visually impaired people.

Students Josh Arnold, 17, and George Gilham, 18, will attempt to cycle from London to Paris in just 24 hours to raise cash for Somerset Sight.

The duo, who both study at Richard Huish College in Taunton, will cycle a gruelling 280 miles in September as part of the Ride24 Action Challenge.

Josh said: “I’ve fundraised doing physical challenges before; I took part in the Great South Run but have never done anything on this scale.

“George and I have always cycled together. When we were younger we would regularly ride ten miles to visit each other but that’s nothing like the 280 miles we are preparing for.”

The lads will ride through Kent and Dover, catch an evening ferry across the channel before continuing into France, finishing the following midday near the Eiffel Tower.

In preparation for the ride to the French capital, they will cycle from London to Brighton and back next month.

George said: “We wanted to raise funds for a local cause that makes a real difference in the community, for something where we know we’ll have an impact.”

Somerset Sight provides help and support to people of all ages with all types of visual impairment and is based on Staplegrove Road.

If you would like to sponsor Josh and George, get in touch with Saskia Pearlstone at the charity on 01823-366147, or visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ride24

You can also show your support on Twitter @LondontoParis24