A FATHER and son will be pedalling across the English Channel on a machine that is across between a bike and a boat.

Businessman Andy Lang, 49, and his son Bradley, 22, a Bristol University student, are aiming to navigate from Dover to Calais on a homemade ‘seabike’.

They are doing it to raise money for Cancer Research UK, in memory of Andy’s friend since childhood, Dominic Donoghue, from Ingsdon, near Newton Abbot, who recently died from cancer.

And on Saturday, May 27, they will be bringing the machine, made by Andy from various parts, to Coombe Cellars on the Teign estuary, for a morning of trials, and a chance to show it off to friends and supporters. There will also be a chance to have a go on the unusual machine.

And later they are planning on a 12-mile test run, probably from Dartmouth to Torquay, to check how well it performs in open sea conditions.

Andy, who runs a PVC doors and windows business in Torquay, said there were similar machines in existence, but his was unique and had been specially designed to cross the channel.

‘We will be going in August when we are advised the seas are likely to be best for tides and weather. It is surprisingly stable – just like a catamaran – and we have been putting in lots of miles on bike to build up our fitness and pedalling stamina.

‘People are welcome to have a go at Coombe Cellars, and we are hoping the event will raise the profile of challenge.

‘We hope to raise at least £5,000 – – about £1,000 has already been pledged.’

Full details about the venture can be found at www.seabike.co.uk and, from the site, those interested can donate on the Justgiving page, and also find the Facebook page.