Three busmen who are cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End have laid down a challenge to the people of Keighley.

Keighley & District Travel drivers Steve Brier, Brian Thorpe and Russell Wilkes want people to race the Keighley & Worth Valley train on July 13, as they prepare for their 891-mile trek.

Steve Brier said: "On the whole this is an ace idea so I really hope it takes off. The more people that come along the better, and we hope people will support our challenge.

"It is a community event. And what better icon than the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is there?

"You could not get a better publicity event than this -- it is known all over the world. It now all depends on how many people come forward and accept the challenge."

Plans for the fundraising event, which have yet to be finalised, will see the three busmen, local dignitaries and other participants, racing the train between Keighley and Oxenhope.

Cyclists will race the train, which takes about 25 minutes to travel between the two stations, along a five-mile parallel route along South Street, Halifax Road and Hebden Road.

Brian Thorpe added: "I think it is a fantastic idea. It opens up the challenge to so many people."

The three men are raising money for Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder Care and hope this event would further boost funds.

Keighley Town Council Deputy Mayor, Councillor Amjad Zaman has accepted the challenge on behalf of the town council.

The 28-year-old footballer and gym enthusiast said: "The challenge will be fun even though I have not cycled for quite a few years.

"It is an honour to be here on behalf of the town council. What these gentlemen are doing here is very honourable and it is great to be here today.

"I would like to thank them for inviting me. I hope from the bottom of my heart that the people of Keighley will take up the challenge and race the train."

Graham Mitchell, communications manager of K&DT, said: "The three busmen are constantly looking for stunts to raise awareness and keep them in good training.

"This gets three Keighley organisations together for such a good cause and we hope other people will get involved."

K&WVR spokesman Jim Shipley said: "This challenge is just the ticket for local charities and even our cycling timetable distributor, Peter Mahler, has promised to join in the fun.

"Unfortunately, Keighley has more jams than Robertson's so if anyone gets saddle sore at Cross Roads, they can let the train take the strain and enjoy a pint on our award-winning buffet car."

Peter Mahler said: "I think it is a tremendous choice. It is a great idea to combine cycling and the charity fundraising."

With time running down to the main event, which starts from John O'Groats on September 6, the race will give the three valuable training.

Mr Brier added: "At first the fundraising was quite slow but now all the events are concertina-ing so it is taking training time away from us.

"Now there will be very little training time for us. It is difficult to train and raise money - we could do with more volunteers."

Anybody who wants to take up the challenge should contact Brian Thorpe on 01535 602878 or 07811 190747.