TWO factory workers are hoping to swap their forklift trucks for another means of transport to take part in a charity bike ride across Israel.

A 220 mile route from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea is the "challenge of a lifetime" which faces workmates Alan Truelove and Gareth Stokes.

In February 1999 the pair hope to complete the gruelling route from the lowest point on Earth in five days and raise money to provide children's life saving equipment in ambulances.

Now they are looking for sponsors who will back them every turn of the wheel in the ultimate bike challenge organised by Manchester charity Children's Hospital Appeal.

With more than 100 ambulances in the area requiring equipment such as traction splints and vital life sign monitors, the charity needs £8,500 for each upgrade.

And Mr Truelove, of Marston Close, Whitefield, thinks the pair will have no problems completing the distance.

A veteran of the recent Manchester to Blackpool ride he said confidently: "I am quite fit as I play football and I think it's going to be great. I have got a two-year-old son and when he was only three months he was taken to hospital and they were brilliant and I wanted to do something to help.

"My wife Michelle is also a nurse and she thinks what I am doing is great as she complete the Krypton Factor assault course for charity."

Mr Stokes lives in Bradshaw Meadows, Bolton.

The pair work at soap manufacturers Cusson's warehouse on Alfred Street, Bury, and will be joined by three workers from the the firm's factory in Kersal Vale and if all goes to plan the wheels will be set in in motion on February 13.

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