IT began as a dare between two sisters.

But a 'daft joke' has turned into a serious fundraising effort after a Long Stratton woman agreed to go on a charity drive in her pyjamas.

Claire Lee will be setting off in her Ford Fiesta at the weekend on a more than 130 mile journey from Norfolk to Yorkshire and will be raising money for the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) in the process.

The 33-year-old opted for the unusual form of driving attire after accepting a dare from her sister Tracey Smith, who she will be visiting in Wakefield on Saturday with her husband and 11-year-old son Byron.

Mrs Lee said the stunt was her way of saying thank you for the work, support and advice the charity has given to her husband Robert, 28, who has the progressive eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa.

The fundraiser, who will be stopping off at service stations along the route and the centres of Barnsley and Wakefield to collect cash for NNAB, said she had already picked out some 'warm fleecy jim jams' for the journey.

'It all started off with me joking to my sister to dare me to travel up in my pyjamas. I've always been one not to refuse a challenge, so she's given me no choice but to go through with it.'

'I am looking forward to it and I am hoping that whatever money I raise is helpful to NNAB,' she said.

The charity has introduced Mr Lee to regular swimming sessions and given him information and advice on how to apply for grants to acquire specialist reading aids for the visually impaired.

'The services the NNAB have provided us with are simply great, and I wanted to do something to say thank you. Thanks to the NNAB, Robert is participating in activities, and not just sat at home feeling down.'