A pair of intrepid teachers have set themselves their own 'Olympic Challenge' to kayak more than 100 miles over river, estuary and sea to raise money for the Cross Ash Primary School residential bursary fund.

Mike Fawcett, deputy headteacher at Cross Ash Primary School, and Dave Barber, a teacher at Woodlands Outdoor Education Centre, will set out from Skenfrith tomorrow (16th February) and aims to arrive in Swansea four days later on Sunday 19th February.

The start and finish are significant 'cardinal' points – the village of Skenfrith is in the school catchment area while the city of Swansea adjoins the Gower peninsula, a new venue for the school's residential programmes.

The pair will use river kayaks and sea kayaks on the journey and be self-supported, camping by the coast each night.

Cross Ash Primary School offers progressive residential outdoor education programmes for all pupils from the age of eight upwards.

Mr Fawcett said: "The residential programmes not only provide life-long memories of shared experiences with friends but they also encourage the development of many skills that enhance the children's lives for years to come.

The residential bursary fund will be used to help ensure that no pupils of limited financial means are denied the opportunity to participate.

To find out more about the challenge call 01873 821427 or visit crossash.monmouthshire.sch.uk

It is now possible to sponsor Mr Fawcett on-line by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/s2sKayak. This">www.justgiving.com/s2sKayak. This is a secure method of paying by credit card or debit card and enables Gift Aid to be donated automatically.

He will be leaving Skenfrith by the castle at approximately 9.00 am on Thursday 16th February and passing underneath the old Monnow Bridge in Monmouth at midday.