THE PROCLAIMERS swapped their famous specs for shades yesterday when they met Edinburgh Zoo camels to launch a new charity challenge.

The Auchtermuchty twins were at the zoo to launch a sunshine charity trek across the Sahara.

Craig and Charlie Reid deserted song-writing sessions for their new album to meet camels Khan and Holly, and kick off Scottish charity Momentum’s Big Birthday Challenge Sahara 2005 fund-raising adventure.

Momentum provides specialist training and rehabilitation services for around 1500 disabled and excluded people, including those with brain and spinal injury, at 25 locations across Scotland each year.

The Morocco trek, from November 12 to 21 next year, begins in Ourzazate and ends in the medieval city of Marrakech.

The Proclaimers have urged trekkers to pick up the phone and call Momentum’s Sahara hotline on 0870 220 6787 to register now.

“Meeting the camels gave us a taste of how much fun Momentum’s trek will be,” said Craig.

“It offers people the chance to celebrate a birthday in a way that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“The great thing is that they’ll be raising money to help disabled and excluded people across Scotland to achieve their goals at the same time.”

Trekkers need to raise a minimum of £2200 sponsorship.

Anyone interested in signing up for the trek should call the Sahara hotline 0870 220 6787 or contact Lindsey Spowage at lindsey.spowage@momentumscotland.org.