Globetrotting Shropshire pair are aiming for pub

Two men desperately trying to get home to Shropshire for Christmas after a mammoth charity trip are nearing the end of their epic journey.

Richard McCulloch and Michael Egan, both 26, from Church Stretton, are hitch-hiking more than 12,000 miles across 20 countries. They began their adventurous journey three months ago in Australia and are now in Switzerland having travelled by boat, train, car, and on foot.

Mr Egan's mother, Madeline, said the pair had one overriding dream – to have a pint at their local on Christmas Eve.

She said: "I'm looking forward to having them back home. They are currently in Switzerland, it depends on what lifts they can get, but they want to make it home for Christmas.

"It might be difficult but they managed to get across China so they should be okay.

"They want to make it home for Christmas Eve and have a drink in the Bucks Head.

"The two of them have had some fantastic journeys and adventures. In Greece they managed to hitch a ride with David Suchet.

"He was over there filming a documentary for the BBC. It's one of many stories they have to tell."

The pair, who spent four months in Australia before starting the trip home, have pledged to survive off £12 day and hope to raise cash for the War

Child charity, a network of independent organisations working across the world to help children affected by war.

The trip has so far taken them through countries including Singapore, Vietnam, China, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Italy, San Marino and Switzerland.

Only Belgium and France now stand between them and a pint in the shadow of Church Stretton's frosty hills.

The pair have been continually updating a facebook blog, The Rich-Mike Hitch-Hike.

To find out more about the adventure visit the facebook page, or to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/the-rich-mike-hitch-hike