Ten students at Mulberry School for Girls are so intent on visiting Madagascar for a dream trip that they will cycle there if they have to.

The 17 and 18-year-old pupils need to raise �22,000 for their nature expedition this summer and have started a sponsored bike ride this week to pedal the 9101 kilometre distance to the Indian Ocean island.

Luckily they won’t have to leave their school in Richard Street, taking turns on seven spinning bikes and cycling a combined total of 140 miles every night.

Teacher Deborah Colvin, who will accompany them on the trip, predicted it will take them a few weeks to complete the challenge.

They have already raised �10,000 through bake sales, bag packing at Marks & Spencer, selling old mobile phones and other fundraising events.

If successful, the girls will spend a fortnight with professional scientists in Mahajanga and in the Nosey Bee island, studying conservation, biodiversity and reef ecology.

Neela Khan, 17, said: “The experience we will gain is something money can’t buy.”

Ms Colvin said a large proportion of wildlife in Madagascar is indigenous to the island, including 80 species of lemurs and species of amphibians and small mammals.

She called on any businesses who want to support conservation work to make a donation.

The whole project will also allow the students to achieve an AS level in the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness qualification.

To support the girls’ fundraising efforts, contact Ms Colvin at dcolvin@mulberry.towerhamlets.sch.uk.