FOOTBALL fever can cause all manner of unusual behaviour, especially in World Cup year.

It may well be the reason why two friends set themselves the unique challenge of visiting all 20 Premier League football grounds in just 24 hours.

QinetiQ scientist Vince Savage and Stephen Gregg, from Cornwall, will start their journey at St James' Park in Newcastle at 8am on Friday, March 10.

Their 700-mile route will take them from the North-West, through the Midlands and London before arriving at Fratton Park, in Portsmouth, less than a day later.

"We're quite lucky that all the clubs are clustered fairly conveniently," said Mr Savage.

"Fortunately, teams like Norwich and Ipswich aren't in the division at the moment."

The pair's attempt will raise money for Cancer & Leukemia in Children (CLIC), a charity that gave a great deal of support to Mr Gregg after he lost a close relative to the disease.

A Cornish firm is providing a car and a tank of petrol to get them on their way and many clubs are donating signed shirts and memorabilia. Mr Savage plans to auction the items on ebay to add to money raised from sponsorship.

"Some people have asked why we'd want to do this trip," said Mr Savage. "I just thought it sounded like a good idea, it's a bit of fun, and it's for a very good cause."

After they complete their journey at Fratton Park, the pair will stay to watch Mr Gregg's beloved Portsmouth play Manchester City on Saturday, March 11.

Mr Savage's football allegiance lies north of the border with Scottish club Ross County.

"Watching the match is more for Stephen, he's probably the bigger fan of the two of us," he said.

"My main association with football is getting thrashed every year in our work fantasy football league."

Any sponsorship should be made directly to CLIC at www.clic.org,uk