TWO teenage cyclists are going to be pedalling 1,000 miles to Italy in aid of a community minibus service in Bournemouth for the disabled.

Will Nurse from New Milton and Paul Rickard from Poole, both 16, will be going the distance from Bournemouth to Sardinia, in aid of Bournemouth Community Transport’s BAT bus service.

Accompanied by their friends and family, the teens will start their journey from Castlepoint’s Shopmobility unit on August 2.

Both of their fathers have cycled the route before and the inspiration for the good cause came from Will’s grandma, Margaret Nurse, a BAT bus member, who travels regularly in her power chair to Castlepoint.

The young men are looking to raise £25,000 which would buy a much-needed new minibus for the service.

Alison Morrison, deputy community transport manager, said: “We are thrilled the boys have chosen to support the BAT bus.

“We are in desperate need of upgrading our small fleet of mini-buses, as there are so many more elderly people in our community who are in desperate need of help with transport.

“Increasing access to the community is an important step in the battle against loneliness, isolation and depression.

“Once people find the BAT bus, their lives are often much happier and more fulfilled.”

To sponsor Will and Paul, contact Alison Morrison on 01202 598295, or alternatively, go into the Shopmobility unit at Castlepoint.