Computer analyst Emily Skelton is taking a screen break to cycle 230 miles in five days over mountainous terrain in Cuba.

Miss Skelton, 27, from Pipkin Way, East Oxford, will be embarking on the marathon bike ride in February to raise money for Computer Aid International.

The charity, whose strap line is 'Give Children a Chance', provides computers to schools and charitable organisations in developing countries, including Cuba and Africa.

The group is working to give children computer opportunities most people in Britain take for granted.

According to charity managers, children who have received computer training are better placed to secure jobs that will allow them to provide for their families when they grow up.

Miss Skelton, an analyst programmer for Chancellors estate agents in Ascot, said: "Cycling around 50 miles a day for five days in a Caribbean climate will be a tough challenge.

"The route takes us through the Sierra del Escambray mountains, which I'm sure will be very hard going - not to mention the 6am start!

"We start in the Bay of Pigs and cycle about 50 miles a day before ending up in Cienfuegos.

"Oxfordshire is not very hilly, but I have been getting in some good training already and at the weekend completed a 50-mile trip around the Wantage area.

"I have already raised about £600 by sellings books and clothes on eBay and I aim to raise a total of £2,500.

"There are about 20 cyclists taking part from across the country and they all hope to raise £2,500 each."

Computer Aid also provides computers to health services to allow people to train for nurse qualifications online.

This means people can continue to work while they train. The computers can also be used to train nurses in new skills, aiding the lives of many people in developing countries.

The challenge also includes a visit to a school that has benefited from the sponsorship money raised.

Miss Skelton will be able to see the difference previous fundraising efforts have made to the lives of staff and students and the local community.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Miss Skelton should visit www.justgiving.com/ emily_cuba where you can sponsor online, or contact her on 07851 932785.

If you would like more information about Computer Aid International or if you would like to take part contact Stephen on 0208 361 5540 or visit www.computeraid.org/cuba