TWO Redditch men are embarking on a cycle ride to Aberystwyth to help raise money to improve water and sanitation in Tanzania.

Alex Layton, aged 24, from Astwood Bank and Marcus Maries, aged 25, of Hunt End, start off on the 126 mile route on August 31.

Alex, who graduated from Aberystwyth University in international politics and strategic studies, has been accepted on the government-funded International Citizen Service.

He will be going on a three-month trip to assist with sustainable development as part of a Raleigh International project.

Friend Marcus is supporting the venture by accompanying him on the bike ride.

Alex said: “We often forget that there are still parts of the world that do not have the luxury of clean running water and modern sanitation. Resulting in many untimely deaths from diarrhoea related illnesses, this is a problem that we can go some way to fixing by a continued effort to provide the funding and expertise that will ultimately save lives.”

For more information or to support the pair, visit justgiving.com/Alex-Layton.