A TEACHER from Sale who swapped the siesta for Saigon will complete a gruelling 1,200 mile bike ride across Vietnam for charity.

After graduating from Sale Grammar School in 2005, Bekah Round spent three years living in Spain before moving to Indo China to become a teacher.

The 28-year-old has joined the H2H team of cyclists, who complete an annual 27 day charity bike ride from Hanoi in the north of the country to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Bekah cites her fondness for watching Michael Palin travel shows as the source of her passion to travel and she is looking forward to seeing the sites of Vietnam outside of her home in Ho Chi Minh City.

"I can't wait to escape the city for a month and see the beautiful scenery this country has to offer,” she said.

"Vietnam is my home for the year and this is my way of giving something back."

The team will work closely with H2H’s beneficiary charities, which all focus on providing food, health care and education to underprivileged children in Vietnam.

The H2H team have received sponsorship from global logistics firm DHL who will provide support vehicles and assistance for volunteers.

Yasmin Aladad Khan, of sponsors DHL Express Southeast Asia, said: "The cause of H2H is commendable and is a perfect match with our global efforts of advancing education.

"Through these programmes, we wish to elevate the standard of living and inspire others just as the H2H team does."

The sixth H2H Charity Ride will begin on April 3, with the first leg of the journey from Hanoi to Hoa Bing.

The team hope to raise more than £20,000.

Donate to Bekah’s effort via justgiving.com/Bekah-Round or for more, see h2hcharityride.org