TWO teenagers called Tom have dug out their walking boots for a 250-mile sponsored trek from Land's End back to their homes in Crowcombe.

They hope to raise £2,000 for the NSPCC Somerset child protection team and Musgrove Park children's centre in Taunton.

The two boys, who have been friends since childhood, both attend West Somerset Community Community College, Minehead, where Tom Savage, will be starting his last year in the autumn and Tom Knell will be joining the sixth form.

The journey along the South West Coastal Path is expected to take 19 days at a rate of 15 miles a day with four or five days' rest.

Before setting off, the two Toms have been gardening and doing odd jobs for local people and have earned around £450 to pay for backpacks, boots, maps and other necessary equipment.

The route has been carefully planned around camps and youth hostels that have offered their facilities free of charge.

And the boys' parents will be close by, providing supplies like plasters for blisters and taking home their washing.

Tom Knell said: "We were inspired by people who walk from Land's End to John O'Groats but thought it might be a bit too far for us, at least this year. The idea grew from there."

NSPCC Somerset appeals manager Charlotte Grayson said: "It's particularly special when young people do something to help other young people.

"The boys are still looking for sponsorship or any support, whether it be Mars bars, plasters or pounds."

Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to phone 01984 618335.