A GROUP of cyclists are to take part in a coast-to-coast ride to raise money for two charities.

The dozen riders, all family and friends and ranging in age from 17 to 54, will tackle the 117 mile ride from Morecombe to Whitby on May 2.

They are raising funds for The Circle Of Hope and Macmillan Cancer Support.

They said the Circle of Hope was formed to raise awareness in the Yorkshire region of the plight of people suffering with a brain tumour.

"Founding members: Jim Murphy, Gill Murphy, Sarah Smith and Linda Wood have all been touched by this illness through the loss of family members and some very dear friends," they said.

"Our charity is intent on seeing a cure for this dreadful illness and we chose Brain Tumour Research as our main beneficiary over other charities because the funds go directly to research.

"We hope therefore that if we dig deep into our stamina through our activities then you will dig deep into your pockets to make a difference."

They said they were organising the ride because 16,000 people were diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK and more children and people under the age of 40 died of a brain tumour than any other cancer, and yet brain tumour research was woefully under-funded.

"The Circle of Hope are aiming to change the status quo and bring better hope and care to thousands of brain tumour patients and their families."