TWO determined high school pupils got on their bikes and showed pedal power to raise hundreds of pounds for a Dunfermline charity.

Dunfermline Cycling Club members Ben Cumming and Charlie Ross decided to put an idea of cycling from West Fife to the Black Isle into practice during the October break and raised more than £350 for Choices Dunfermline.

The organisation provides confidential counselling support for women and men who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or termination, as well as to those facing an unplanned pregnancy.

S5 pupils Ben, 15, and 16-year-old Charlie climbed onto their saddles at 6am on Wednesday October 11 and trekked 173 miles to their final destination and Sarah Cumming, centre manager for Choices Dunfermline, said: "While most people might plan well in advance for a long cycle in October, Ben and Charlie decided on a Saturday night that they'd set off at 6am the following Wednesday!

"Initially they thought it was too near the date to raise money through their cycle but decided it was worth a try and set up a fundraising page.

"In the end, their 173-mile cycle in the wind and rain raised over £350 for Choices Dunfermline, which provides free support for people who’ve experienced pregnancy loss.

"It was a tough cycle but both Ben and Charlie enjoyed the experience and are very grateful to everyone who donated via their fundraising page."

Choice Dunfermline offers a confidential and free opportunity to speak about painful and difficult feelings following pregnancy loss, whether recent or many years ago, and their volunteers are trained to help people work through their feelings and come to terms with their experience.