Four gunners from an RAF base will be going Dutch and sharing the burden of a gruelling 300 mile cycle ride to Holland as they aim to raise money for a children's charity.

Paul Connell, Mike Saunders, Sean Falconer and Richard Hislop, RAF Regiment Gunners from Honington, will be taking off from their Suffolk base with the aim of making it to Holland and back within six days.

The 300-mile ride will see the quartet raising money for East Anglia's Children Hospices (EACH).

They have already visited The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich and are hoping to break the £1,000 barrier with their fund-raising.

Mr Connell, who runs the Families Club at RAF Honington, said: 'We decided to do this challenge for EACH firstly because it's a local charity and secondly and most importantly, because of the work they do at the hospices they run.

'Being a father to two children myself I can really appreciate the journey both the children, the parents and siblings have to go on.

'EACH look after all their needs to a six star standard so raising money for them will be an honour and a pleasure.'

The gunners have already been busy fund-raising, holding a raffle with items donated from Tesco at the base. They will also be bag packing at Tesco in Thetford on August 8.

They are also keeping their costs for the trip down thanks to Stenalive Ferry allowing them to travel for free, and Stayokay Hostels discounting their accommodation while they are in the Netherlands.

Abbi Lang, EACH Suffolk Fundraiser, said: 'We really appreciate that Paul, Mike, Sean and Richard have chosen to support EACH with such an amazing challenge, and wish them the best of luck.

'It's great when people choose to do challenge events for EACH because they can do something they love while raising vital funds for children, young people and their families at an unimaginably difficult time.'

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/Hon2Holl400