TWO Bolton friends are gearing up for the ride of their lives with a trek across Africa on their bicycles.

Insurance worker Amanda Smith, 26, of Egerton, is banking on success when she and friend Lisa Kelly, 27, take part in the adventure of a lifetime and help support a worthy cause at the same.

While police officer Lisa, from Bromley Cross, can't wait to swap the beat for the beaten track when they tackle Kenya's Great Rift Valley next year.

The plucky pair, who first met at Turton High School, are no strangers to performing sponsored stunts for charity.

In recent years they have completed the Krypton Factor Assault Course to raise money for Christie Hospital and braved a sky-dive for Cancer Research.

But their latest challenge will be the biggest so far when the tackle the gruelling six day, 400 kilometre ride across the Great Rift Valley to raise money for Cerebral Palsy charity Scope.

Amanda said: "We like to do something for charity between us each year and this was too good an opportunity to miss.

"It will be very tough and we will be going through a lot of rough terrain in very hot weather but hopefully we will have time to see some of the wildlife and the scenery."

The dynamic duo have already gone into training for the African adventure and cycle 50 kilometre a week through the hills near Miss Smith's home.

Before they can make the trip they have to raise £5,000 for Scope and they are hoping Bolton people will come to their aid. Amanda said: "I have done a dress-down day at work which raised a few hundred pounds. There will be raffles, auctions and hopefully a sponsored bean bath."

Lisa added: "We are determined to complete the bike ride and to raise the daunting sum of £5,000 for Scope who help so many people suffering from Cerebral Palsy in the Bolton area."

If you would like to help Lisa and Amanda you can contact them on 07787 513995.

"Sponsorship from businesses or support of any kind for the activities we already have planned will make all the training seem worthwhile and make a real difference to those who really need it.