Riders from RAF Wittering's air traffic control squadron were expected to set off on Saturday, as they bid to ride to the Czech Republic.

They set out from the centre of Stamford, with their destination being Stamford's twin town in the Czech Republic, Kutna Hora, some 850 miles away.

The aim is to raise money for two local charities in Stamford – namely Stamford Hospital and Rutland Sailability – and a nominated Czech charity.

It is hoped the venture will also help to cement the relationship between the twin towns.

Tony Walsh, a spokesman for the RAF, said: "The RAF encourages this sort of endeavour.

"It's more than we could hope our guys could do.

"We wish them the very best of luck – I just hope they don't get too saddle sore."

He said the ride would also be used as a training exercise for the servicemen and women involved, with each person having responsibility for a different leg of the ride, along with the immense physical effort required.

The six cyclists, backed up by two support vehicles, are expected to take 12 days to reach their destination.

Their journey will see them travelling via ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, and onwards through Holland, across central Germany and into the Czech Republic.