SEVEN teenagers took to their bikes yesterday to cycle 140 miles in a Coast to Coast challenge.

The Peterlee youngsters, aged between 13 and 16, set off accompanied by staff from the Easington Youth Inclusion Pro- gramme (YIP), which is part of County Durham Youth Engagement Service.

Their route from Whitehaven to Roker Pier, in Sunderland, will take the cyclists across the Pennines through Keswick, Penrith, Alston and Consett, in County Durham.

They are due to arrive in Sunderland on Friday.

Along the way, they will tackle the Hartside Pass, which at 1,903ft will be a test of their stamina.

The young people will be guided along 30 to 40 miles stretches each day by seven staff, who will provide assistance and back-up.

YIP manager Derek Robson said: "The aim is to give these young people the opportunity to take up a challenge they would not otherwise be involved in and help build up their confidence along the way.''

He said the programme was grateful to the County Durham Positive Futures unit for funding the venture.

Support has also been given by Main Road Garages, the Proton car dealer based in Stanley and Sacriston, which provided two half-tonne pick-up vehicles for use during the journey.

Also giving donations were Asda and Walkers Snack Foods, in Peterlee.