LOVE is. . . cycling 200 miles in humid temperatures, according to Katie Atkinson.

The 23-year-old health worker is spending Valentine's Day next year pedalling across Cuba in a sponsored marathon for the mental health charity, MIND.

An occupational therapist with the Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Ms Atkinson who is from Middlesbrough, said: "We work very closely with MIND and many of our clients have been helped by the charity.

"Tackling this cycle ride will hopefully help MIND to continue its work."

"This will be a tough challenge, and I'm spending every spare moment training or fundraising, but I'm very excited about getting to see so much of Cuba.

"It isn't what most people expect to do on Valentine's Day."

Katie will be one of 70 cyclists who will pedal for up to seven hours a day for six days.

To guarantee a place on the charity cycle ride, Katie has to raise £2,500 before December 6.

She is approaching local companies for sponsorship, and has organised a fundraising show, at Liberty's In Town, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, on October 17.

Tickets cost £3 from Liberty's In Town or from Katie on 0771 5283217.