A SELBY councillor is training to complete a local bike ride to help himself recover from a stroke.

Councillor John Cattanach, who this week attended a garden party in London for Prince Phillip's 93rd birthday, was recently elected Chairman of Selby District Council, just months after he suffered a stroke (AUGUST 2013).

He said he hoped to complete the 25 mile route of next year's Selby Bike Ride, and has already signed up some teammates for the event, including Councillor Bill Inness and NHS worker Dave Norton.

Coun Cattanach said: "I have never been a regular cyclist but once I found out that I did not fall off my bike because of balance issues after my stroke, I was determined that I would take part in the 2015 Selby Bike Ride.

"Dave and I will most probably start out with a weekly ride of a relatively short distance and then take the year to stretch it out so that in May 2015 we can do 25 miles with no worries. I already realise that any major exertion that I take today has to be managed, and Dave will be keeping a professional eye on me as he works for the NHS. My training for the race will undoubtedly help my own recovery."

Victoria Astin, from Cawood, is a member of the Selby Striders, and will be entering a team for the ride, and Emma Chittock, also from Cawood, will be supporting Coun Cattanach and raising money herself.

The riders will all be raising money for St Leonard's Hospice, York Against Cancer, and Selby District Vision, the chairman's chosen charities for the year.

Emma said: "We are delighted to back John as his chosen charities are very close to our hearts."

Coun Cattanach said the first criteria for his team was "over 60, male, and willing to ride the route at a sedate pace", and he hoped to hear from others who wanted to use the event to improve their fitness, particularly if they were recovering from a major illness.

He said: "I'm hoping to encourage as many people as possible to enter next year’s Selby Bike Ride, as the organisers attempt to break through the 1,000 rider barrier.

"It would be lovely for others in a similar situation to join me next May if fit enough."