Workmates Diana Hunter and Becky Scott have made themselves a familiar sight for Doncaster commuters over the summer – by cycling to work in full head-to-toe gorilla suits!

For 34-year-old Becky, the trip has meant a furry four- mile trip from Sprotbrough. And 27-year-old Diane has been notching up six monkey-miles daily from her home in Conisbrough.

And they plan to take their apeing about further...

The pair, both pals in the drawing office at Pegler, are going to take part in a four- mile run through London in the same suits on Saturday, September 27.

It's not a hobby. They have donned the costumes to raise money for the Gorilla Organisation – a charity working around the world to protect gorillas' habitats from the perils of mining, farming and hunting.

They decided to back the charity after hearing about its work at a Go Ape high wire outdoor training centre in Nottinghamshire.

The cycling has raised £472 so far.

Becky said the cycling had been pretty gruelling – especially because some of the days they were on their bikes were among the hottest of the summer.

But they believe that is 'fur enough' if it is to help gorillas

She said: "It gets really hot, and the fur comes off inside the gorilla suit. We have showers at work, which is helpful, but on one occasion all the fur that came off me blocked the drains. I had to clear it out.

"Cycling in the gorilla suit was rather embarrassing, but I didn't attract as much attention as I expected we would.

"On one occasion I went past a works van. They saw me and offered me a banana. I put my hand out to take it as I rode past, but he pulled his hand back, so I didn't even get that.

"I think people probably thought we were mental."

But Diana said: "By making complete fools of ourselves, we have managed to raise a huge amount of money for a worthwhile cause."

They will be joined on their trek in London by pals Jane Marsden, 35, from Warmsworth, and Sal Hopkinton, 34, from Bradford.

Gorillas are the largest and most famous apes but current estimates put their numbers at fewer than 720 and perhaps as low as just 320.

Diane and Becky's bosses are happy to back them – despite the impact on their drains.

Pegler Yorkshire marketing services manager Mark Westmoreland said: "It was certainly an unusual sight to see two gorillas cycling in Doncaster.

"Becky and Diana were also brave to cycle to work in full view of everyone!

"Everyone at Pegler Yorkshire wishes them well for the run in London."

• Further information is available from the Gorilla Organisation at www.gorillas.org and anyone wishing to support Becky and Diana can log onto www.justgiving.com/dianahunter1 or www.justgiving.com/rebeccascott to sponsor them.

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