A GROUP of five cyclists will pedal 226 miles from Edinburgh to a village near York next month in support of a cancer charity.

The group will leave Scotland on the morning of April 29 and hope to arrive in Ryther on May 2.

James Atkinson, one of the cyclists, said this would be the second year running that the group had tackled the strenuous route. He said they would be raising funds for Macmillan, which offers support to those suffering from cancer and their families, carers, and communities.

All the cyclists have lost loved ones to cancer over the years and hope to raise awareness and further support for the work done by the charity.

Mr Atkinson said they had already been training for a substantial amount of time in preparation, being well aware of the difficulties involved from last year’s ride, which raised about £3,000. They hope to achieve a similar amount, if not more, this year.