AND they're off! Three chickens have embarked on their journey, travelling 500 miles around the northern coast of Scotland in the name of Christmas dinners.

Homelessness charity Urban Outreach has begun latest mission to raise funds to pay for chickens for Christmas dinner.

Starting today, the trio of charity workers are taking it in turns to ride 500 miles each around 500 miles of coastline in northern Scotland, on a 50cc scooter, whilst dressed as chickens, in a bid to raise £15,000.

The unusual idea came about because one of the three, Rob Balfour wanted to do something to mark his 50th birthday. Along with Urban Outreach chief executive Dave Bagley, and Street Life project worker Alan Holt, who are also 50, they decided on Chicken Run.

They are riding 1,500 miles across Scotland to raise £15,000 to pay for chickens for the Urban Outreach Christmas hampers.

Urban Outreach is a Christian charity which aims to help disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and young people in Bolton.

The latest fundraising project is to buy chickens as part of the annual Christmas Dinners on Jesus project which provides a Christmas dinner for people who 'need or deserve one', all over Bolton.

Whilst promoting their trip, Mr Bagley said: “There’s 1,300 Christmas hampers which gives about 4000 people a Christmas lunch. They go to people that have been impacted by things that have not gone so well in the year, having hit hard times and the idea is that it’s a complete Christmas dinner in a box.”

The chicken run has received support from he Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, who have chosen Urban Outreach as their Charity of the Year.

Donations can be made securely online at: www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/chickenrunbolton Other ways to donate can be found at www.urbanoutreach.co.uk/donate