TWO football fans are planning a 30-hour charity journey to raise money for two schools in the region.

Paul Hodgson, who has been in a wheelchair since a childhood attack of meningitis, will be pushed from Darlington FC's Feethams ground to York City's Bootham Crescent by friend Ian Carter next month.

The teams meet in the Division Three clash on February 3, so the fundraising pair will set off at 6am the previous morning, aiming to arrive at the York ground at noon on the match day.

They are hoping to raise £2,000 for Percy Hedley School in Newcastle, which Paul attended as a child, and Colburn Primary School, Colburn, near Catterick Garrison, so facilities can be altered for a boy with cerebral palsy.

Paul said: "We are stopping off at different pubs on the way - obviously not to drink - but they are going to put food on for us."

It is not the first time Paul has done such a journey, having been pushed to Hartlepool United's Victoria Park ground in the past.

Sponsorship has been started with a donation from Darlington's chairman, George Reynolds.

Anybody wishing to make a pledge can call Paul on (01325) 372730, or Ian on (01748) 832612.

A band night will be held at the Springfield pub, Darlington, on March 31, when the money will be handed over