SOME university students will go to any lengths to help needy children - and six of them are about to prove it by cycling across Europe.

University of Teesside students Toby Meegan, 20, Mark Hustler, 32, 19-year-old Richard Borrows, Graham Plant and Andrew Muirhead-Smith, and Nathan Banks, 25, plan to cycle 600 miles through France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands.

They have got the determination and resolve to do it, they have worked out the route and even have the bikes - but the financially-challenged six still need basic equipment and are looking for sponsors.

The students need safety helmets and reflective cycling clothing, as well as equipment, mosquito nets and a first aid kit.

Setting off from Meaux, France, on July 1, they hope to complete their marathon in 20 days, aiming for a target of £6,000, in aid of Comic Relief and the BBC's Sport Relief campaign.

Mr Meegan said: "The BBC Sport Relief campaign has come at the perfect time. We are really keen to do well and raise as much money as we can for the campaign.

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us and we are really looking forward to it.''

The Students' Union is loaning the group tents and sleeping bags and the University is providing them with free gym passes to help them get into shape.

If anyone would like to help sponsor the challenge they are asked to contact Conor Henry at the Students' Union on (01642) 342234.