A group of 25 people are gearing up for a gruelling 390km bike ride in aid of a charity which supports orphaned and underprivileged girls.

The team, who hail from Harrow and Brent, will be taking up the challenge through the Gujarat region in a bid to “give something back to society”.

They will be riding for the Inner Joy Foundation, a UK-registered charity which helps girls across India who have not been given a head start in life.

Suryakant Jadva, who is helping to organise the event, said: “These boys and girls want to make a difference in life and give people better opportunities.

“They hope to give something back to society and they see this challenge as a way of raising money for a great cause.”

He explained how it was inspired by a similar bike ride last year, which saw a team cycle a different part of Gujarat in aid of charities supporting street children and girls forced into prostitution in Mumbai.

But whereas that campaign took in 150km of riding, this new challenge is even more ambitious as the group hopes to travel from Junagadh to Bhuj in just three days.

“It will be three days of intense day riding and they will get the chance to rest and recuperate at some temples along the way,” Mr Jadva said.

“The Indian community is very close and we know that people in all areas will want to get behind the team as they head off in March.

“And what people need to remember is that one hundred per cent of this money will go to the charity.

“The participants have paid for everything else themselves – flights, equipment and so on – so every penny will go towards the foundation.”

The 2017 challenge raised almost £160,000, smashing its target of £100,000 – the same goal which has been set for this year.

Those taking part intend to hold a number of fundraising events, such as dinners and raffles, as they continue their training.

Visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/madtoday for more information and to make a donation.