THE charity Cancer Research UK is urging North-Easterners to take part in fund-raising bike rides to boost research funds.

The Durham Cycle for Life ride - which is one of 18 taking place around the country this summer - will start at Meadowfield Leisure Centre, on Sunday 17th August at 10am.

Cancer Research UK is hoping that 10,000 people will Cycle for Life in 2003 and together raise over £650,000.

The entry fee for the 15 mile event is £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children under 18. You can enter at www.cancerresearchuk.org/cycle or by phoning (0870) 1611010