FOUR boys are taking on a 127-mile bike challenge by cycling the length of the Leeds-Liverpool canal next month.

The group, which includes eight-year-old John Pilkington, aim to raise funds for the Sunbridge Road Mission Church, towards a new building.

The boys will be accompanied by their dads and will carry out their feat during the Easter school holidays.

From April 12 to 15, the four-day challenge will see them camping overnight on route.

On his fundraising page, John, who will have turned nine by the time the challenge begins, said: “We will get the train to Liverpool on Wednesday 12 April and then cycle back to Leeds over 4 days. We are planning to carry all our stuff and camp overnight.

“The reason I'm doing this is to raise money for my church, Sunbridge Road Mission, so they can build a new church building.”

The church has purchased land opposite its current base on Sunbridge Road with a view to constructing a two-storey building with car park, which will cost £2.7 million.

It follows a similar fundraising effort last year which saw two men run 133 miles in six days to raise funds for the church.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/pedal-pedal to sponsor John.