BIKERS from around the region are taking part in their own jubilee tour today in a bid to raise more than £2,000 for charity.

Not only are some of the members of the Rain Dancers Motorcyclists Group attempting to ride 856 miles from John O Groats to Lands End non-stop, but they will do it dressed as the Queen.

They were due to begin their marathon from the Yorkshire Dragoon in Maltby, Teesside, at 7am, where a van was picking them up and taking them to the start.

They will begin the ride tomorrow and are hoping to complete it in 36 hours.

Ken Appleby, chairman of the group, said: "We believe it is the first time the route has been attempted non-stop. The whole idea has taken three months to develop and we are looking forward to it."

They are hoping to raise about £2,500 for Butterwick Hospice's Precious Hours Appeal.

The riders will work on a rota basis with four taking it in turns to ride a Honda 90cc, which has been donated by Tillstons Motorcycles, in Stockton, and three in the back-up van.

Mr Appleby said: "It is going to be quite a challenge trying to ride such a small bike. We are usually all used to riding bikes with 1,000 cc engines so it is going to be quite demanding.

"It is also going to be a little embarrassing dressed as the Queen but it is all in a good cause."