A FATHER and son team roaring round the coast of Britain on mini motorbikes have been battling the recent heatwave in a bid to reach the half way point.

Rob Nuttall, 40, and his 18-year-old son Sam have battled breakdowns, thunderstorms, last week's record heatwave plus an aching back on Sam's part to reach East Yorkshire, more than 2,300 miles into their record-breaking ride.

At the weekend the pair, from Rossendale, were reunited with their family who joined them at Haven Holidays' Reighton Sands Holiday Park, near Filey, three weeks after they set off from the Blackpool Tower.

Rob and Sam have been averaging between 120 to 150 miles a day avoiding motorways on the 110cc mini motorbikes called Monkey Bikes because of their extended handlebars.

Their route has taken them through the coast of Wales, Cornwall, the South Coast, East Anglia and Yorkshire.

Most of the accommodation along the route has been provided by Haven Holidays.

The majority of fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support has been carried out in the evenings when Rob and Sam have gone on stage at the showbars and entertainment venues to tell holidaymakers about their mission.

So far the pair have raised around £1,500 having set off with no particular target in mind.

Biking through the heatwave has been difficult for the pair.

Rob, of Linden Park Road, Ewood Bridge, Haslingden, said: "It has not been easy. We have helmets and have to wear thick protective clothing. "Our helmets are black so they attract the heat.

"We had a lot of problems in the first 1,000 miles and had to change carburettors and then clean the carburettors.

"Yesterday we had to get four new tyres fitted in Bridlington because they had worn bald."

Sam added: "I have been suffering with my back because of the vibrations travelling along at 40 plus miles per hour on the eight-inch wheels. "It's not been easy but we are determined to finish the ride."

Despite the problems the pair are bang on schedule and due to complete their 5,000 mile journey back at Blackpool Tower on August 12.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should visit www.mab 2006. co.uk