A TWO-WHEELED tour of some of China's historic monuments is the challenge being undertaken by college worker Jane Mardon.

The 52-year-old mother of two grown-up sons has six days to cover a 480km route between the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

Jane, from Barnard Castle, hopes to boost mental health charity Mencap's funds by £7,000 at the end her trip next September.

She will be among a 95-strong group tackling the China Bike Ride for Mencap, which supports people with learning disabilities.

The trip is a world away from her job as a research and development worker at Bishop Auckland College.

To get fit, Jane has taken up skateboarding and plans to spend her summer break in Holland conditioning herself for long days in the saddle.

Jane, whose husband Ray is pursuing his hobby of climbing before returning to work as head of business studies and economics at Barnard Castle School, said: "This is something so different from my job. It is completely out of my field.

"I expect so much of the people I work with I thought it was time I pushed myself to take up a different challenge.

"We will be cycling 65 miles a day along a route taking in some of China's great sights, like the Ming tombs. It will be a wonderful way to see the country."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Jane, or can help in any other way, should telephone her on (01388) 443053.