TWO electric skateboarders lost their spark after their charity trek from John O'Groats to Land's End was halted

Greenock man Ewan Taylor and pal Liam Martyn, from Glasgow, set out on the mammoth 874-mile journey between the two furthest points in mainland Britain a fortnight ago in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

But their 'end-to-end' challenge - believed to be the first time anyone has attempted it on electric boards - was called off by police after just 130 miles.

Officers just outside Inverness were concerned about their safety on the A9, one of Scotland's most dangerous routes, and the 'grey area' surrounding the use of motorised skateboards on roads.

The pair were also hampered by problems with charging their equipment and tricky weather conditions.

Ewan, 42, said: "It was only our safety the police were concerned with, you can't fault them for that.

"The legislation is a grey area.

"The chargers in the van also broke down so we had to stop every two hours.

"It was one thing after another."

Despite their setbacks, the pair have vowed to complete the 'end-to-end' challenge, which has raised almost £700 for Macmillan.

They are currently investigating alternative routes and plan to get back on their boards next year when the weather improves.

The challenge was inspired by Ewan's mum Joan, who has terminal blood cancer, and Liam's mother, who is in remission following a battle with a different form of the disease.

Ewan said: "We're looking at alternative routes and we're hoping to complete it at some point.

"The weather is closing in on us now so we're starting to plan for the new year.

"People helped out so much along the way, from pubs, B&Bs and someone with a pottery business who invited us down to his house to charge our boards on the first day.

"The response from people has been so overwhelming.

"It's also generated so much interest in the boards and we're going to head out over the winter and let people try them out."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liam-martyn