A 100-MILE charity challenge with a difference got off to a steady start in Winchester city centre.

Two disabled fundraisers have embarked on an extraordinary eight-day adventure along the South Downs Way to make as much money as possible for their chosen charity.

Sue Watson and Robin Helby will go the distance using all-terrain electric scooters with no carers or extra support.

The pair set off from King Alfred's Statue, The Broadway, last Thursday and aim to make it to Eastbourne in just over a week's time.

They are raising money for the Disabled Ramblers charity and want to make people aware that 2003 is the European Year of the Disabled.

The duo will be using specially designed scooters, adapted to handle extreme conditions ranging from farmland, to snow and ice.

With a battery range of 30 miles and tyres specially designed for such conditions, Sue and Robin plan to cover about 15 miles a day.

Sue, from Sussex, was diagnosed with MS in 1986 and Robin, from Surrey, was involved in a serious car accident in 1990.