A TEAM of cyclists are preparing for a lengthy journey today to raise money for charity.

Mark Howard and John Sanderson have organised the 60-mile ride, from Bridlington to Scalm Park Golf Club, near Selby, with about 30 cyclists taking part in the hope of raising £1,000 for Brain Tumour Research Across Yorkshire.

Mark, of New Lane, Sherburn-in-Elmet, said: "I used to cycle years ago when I used to play Sunday League football. We would nominate a charity and donate the proceeds to them or to the community. We run a charity golf day every year, and thought it would be good to mix it up a little bit and do something different for those who aren't golfers.

"Skydiving was mentioned, three peaks were mentioned, but it was just something to mix it up. I'm not a big cyclist myself, but just had to go out and buy a bike myself and get into the training now, but I'm looking forward to it. Physically, I should be okay."

Mark's daughter Olivia underwent two13-hour operations when she was just two years old to remove a tumour from her brain. Three years later, she is fit and healthy, but the charity remains close to Mark's heart.

Mark said: "Olivia is five now and going great guns.

"She's not as keen on school as she was in previous months though. She says it's boring and asking why the weekend can't be any longer!"

The group is setting off from Bridlington at 9am and hope to complete their journey in between six and seven hours.

Mark and John thanked Bishop's Move removals for supplying transport for the bikes, Terry Geldard for supplying a coach, and Sid Lamb from Scalm Park Golf Club for his donation and use of a room for the evening celebrations.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/cycletoscalm or text CTSP66 £5, or an amount of your choice, to 70070. The text is free, and the donation is taken from your phone credit or added to your next bill.