FATHER and son team Paul and Ray Bell are planning to travel from their home town of Watchet to Wales - but it won't be any ordinary trip.

Former Royal Marine Paul and student Ray will hop into kayaks for the estimated 14-mile journey to Rhoose Point, just east of Cardiff.

And they hope the canoeing challenge will raise at least £1,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.

Ray's grandparents - his mother Maureen's parents - both suffered from the disease and died last year.

"I've thought about canoeing across to Wales for some years and when I finally decided to do it and persuaded Ray to join me, we thought it would be great to try to raise money for such a good cause," said Paul, 51, who now works for builders merchants Travis Perkins.

Paul is an experienced canoeist, having first taken up the sport in his 20s.

But 24-year-old Ray, who has a degree in oceanography and is currently studying for a PhD in tropical cyclones and climate change, is more of a novice.

However, he has been training hard, as well as focusing on the fundraising aspect of the challenge.

At least £600 has been pledged by family and friends so far but the pair are hoping a final push will help them reach their target before they set off on September 10.

Paul estimates the journey should take between three and three and a half hours.

And although he admits in years gone by he completed a 50-mile canoeing challenge in Scotland, he is not underestimating the vagaries of the Bristol Channel.

Paul and Ray will have the back-up of a safety boat, manned by another father and son team, Tom and Ian Wedlake, also from Watchet.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Paul. "We just want to raise as much money as possible and at least reach our target."

Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so at http://www.justgiving">www.justgiving. com/bell-kayak or drop into Watchet's Co Op supermarket in Swain Street.

Photo: Steve

Guscott