TWO pensioners are hoping to cycle through Cuba later this year to raise money for the visually impaired.

David Ayre, 70, and Jim French, 65, are planning on making the 500km trip, but need to raise £2,000 each to take part in the adventure for the Royal National Institute of the Blind.

The friends, who live in Darlington, are both retired construction workers who have always enjoyed cycling in their spare time.

Mr French said: "This will be a real challenge for both of us. It will also be helping a charity that does not have the high profile it once had for the valuable work it does on behalf of the partially-sighted and blind people."

Any donations can be sent to RNIB Cuban Ride, 64/66 Winwaed House, Crossgates, Leeds.