The pair, who are both 62 and live in Harleston and Withersdale, decided to take on the challenge after watching Paul Heiney’s Secret Rivers programme.

“I think it’s fair to say we are not canoeists, so we have done preparation rather than training,” joked Mr Doggett.

“But we have done a lot of research into the route.”

The friends will be raising money for two charities close to their hearts – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and floating hospital, The Boat of Life, in Bangladesh, which carries out eye operations.

“I have just had my second cataracts operation and an retina operation,” said Mr Orr.

They will start the trip on Monday at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, making their way to Lowestoft on Saturday ready for a practice exercise with the RNLI on Sunday.

The trip also aims to highlight the importance of caring for the local environment – particularly the littered stretch of the river through Diss.

Town clerk Deborah Sarson said: “We support the work of any legitimate groups promoting the River Waveney and highlighting the need for the river to be kept clean and free from rubbish and other pollutants.”

Mr Doggett and Mr Orr will be holding a Grand Fifties Evening at The Swan Hotel, Harleston, on Monday, 8pm.

Those attending the event, which is in aid of Waveney cataracts, will be able to choose their favourite songs from the 1950s.

For more information or to make a donation contact Martin Barrell, 07788 561455, or email martin.barell1@ btinternet.com