FORMER schoolfriends Matt Scott and Matt Wallis are using pedal power to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.

Matt Scott, 22, from Moordown, Bournemouth, and Matt Wallis, 22, a former pupil at St Peter’s School in Southbourne, set off by ferry from Poole on Thursday.

They will cycle 5,000km through Europe during a gruelling trip taking them across eight countries including France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

After graduating, the pair wanted to make a difference. Fuelled by their love of cycling and inspired by Team GB’s Olympic success, they decided to support the work of the Mustard Seed Communities Charity.

The worthy cause supports disabled, orphaned and HIV positive residents in Zimbabwe, Jamaica, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic.

Matt Scott, who worked with the charity in Jamaica as a sports coach, said: “The charity is exceptional. It is one of those good causes where you can really see where the money goes.”