Gambia News : Families hit road for 3,500-mile Africa trip

The Rileys of Norland and the Ellis family of Norton Tower, are making the journey after falling in love with the smallest country in Africa seven years ago.

Amanda Riley, 39, and Steve, 51, are travelling with their daughter Lorcan, 12, and son, Blayne, 16. They will be with friends Heather, 45, and Nigel Ellis, 39, and daughter Laura, 11.

The families set off from Stoneywood garage, Sowerby Bridge, and their route, across oceans, deserts and forests, will be followed by internet-tracking systems installed on the two family Land Rovers.

The latest news from the intrepid explorers is they are braving bendy roads high up in the Moroccan mountains.

Amanda Riley said: "It is just something we thought we should do. It is exciting and a real experience."

They will be away for a month and are raising funds to help build a library and buy books in Gambia as well as supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The families' progress can be followed on www.amslive-trac.com.