Diss farmers are swapping their tractors for bicycles to undertake a 380-mile challenge for charity.

Members of the Diss and District Young Farmers Club are planning to cycle from Paris to Diss to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, focusing particularly on the MS therapy centre on Delft Way in Norwich.

The cycle ride starts in Paris on Wednesday, June 3.

Laurence Brown, club chairman, said: 'This is a big challenge. We have planned the route so we ride though four countries in four days: France, Belgium, Holland and then back into Britain.

'We have purchased our own bikes especially for the event and have been out training as a team and individually for the last four months, achieving 90 miles per training session at a nice comfortable pace.

'We also do quite a bit of other fitness in the Diss club, like tug of war which we enter competitions and we play hockey.

'Our aim is to gain as much support as possible for the team from businesses and individuals but more importantly raise money for and promote awareness of the MS Society and the work that they do.

'We would be grateful for sponsorship.'

The Diss young farmers have set themselves a target of £3,000 in donations and so far they have raised more £900 in pledges.

More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS and the charity helps to improve treatment and care.

The six cyclists from the Diss and District Young Farmers Club taking part are Laurence Brown, Rory Anderson, Robert Johnson, Peter Cox, Harry Green and Adam Collins.

The team also have support members Tom Baker, Charlotte Wasylenko and Megan Clough.

Mr Brown said: 'We are all looking forward to the challenge. 'For the people taking part in this it might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing or it may become a new hobby for them.'

The farmers' challenge has been sponsored by TNS and Chaverys Chartered Accountants.

To make a donation in support of the farmers, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/dissyoungfarmersclub.

The club meets Wednesday evenings at Burston Pavilion.

Are you embarking on a charity challenge? Email michelle.finch@archant.co.uk