TWO motorcycling friends from Chepstow are travelling to Scotland to begin an unusual journey in aid of three charities.

Paul Burley and Jamie Methuen are taking on Operation 4 Corners, which involves a gruelling 1,500 mile, four-day trek from John O'Groats to Land's End.

To make it more demanding the pair, who are leaving on June 9, have planned a route avoiding motorways and will touch four extreme points. The route involves Duncansby Head before heading west to Ardnamurchan, also in Scotland, then Lowestoft Ness to the Ace Cafe in London, Brighton and onto the south coast. Day four will be the last leg along the south of the UK to The Lizard and then Land's End.

Paul said: "Most people try Land's End to John O'Groats via some well-defined routes. To add a new twist to this journey, we will use "four extreme points" route suggested by Jack Adams at the Land's End to John O'Groats association.

"This has never been attempted by motorcycle and not 'in reverse' which will make the attempt unusual."

The pair are raising money for The Teenage Cancer Trust, Heronsbridge School Bridgend, and 1st Battalion, The Rifles (1 RIFLES) Infantry battalion. Paul is closely associated with the first charity through his involvement with the under 17s car club who chose the charity as the main beneficiary of their fundraising.

He said: "The Rifles are a major part of Chepstow life and do much to support the local community. Heronsbridge School Bridgend provides education for children with special education needs.

"Both bikes are standard with no special preparation, so the trip will be as much a test of the machines as our skills and friendship."

Donations can be made through justgiving.com. Sponsors can contact Paul or Jamie at http://www.op4c.com">www.op4c.com.