Charitable shoppers have helped a pair of teenagers kick-start their fundraising campaign to go on a month-long working adventure to Borneo.

Maisy Faulkner and Mary Rich received £400 from their first fundraiser after cycling for seven hours on a static bike outside the Co-operative store in Sidmouth.

Taking turns on the bike, the girls spoke to shoppers on Saturday about the project, which is organised by Camp International.

The two friends will live and work alongside the local people and work on a range of schemes designed to help improve living conditions and the environment.

The Sidmouth College pupils each need to find £4,170 to travel to Borneo in 21 months’ time.

Maisy, 15, said: “It went better than what we expected. We cycled about 130km in total.

“We took turns on the bike and to explain what we were doing.

“I have always wanted to be adventurous.

“This is just a great opportunity to start to do something. It is a great opportunity to help other people.”

The duo has already begun planning a series of fundraising events, including cake sales, quizzes and a curry night.

Mary, 14, said: “It’s nice to have something to work towards, rather than doing everything at once.”

Mary’s mum, Kyrstie, said that the girls needed to raise 20 per cent of their total before February.

Kyrstie said: “The emphasis is on the girls to raise the funds so they can go. It is a lot of money and the girls have to start planning around their exams and homework.”