THREE Teesside ntl workers are to tackle the 144-mile coast-to-coast bike ride for charity next week.

Paul Stones, David Elliot and Andrew Morley will be joining three others next weekend to do the challenging ride over three days.

All money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Cleveland Nuffield Rehabilitation Programme Patient Support Group.

The trio, who work in ntl's IT department on Teesside, have all been training hard - and Paul, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, even hired a bike to carry on his training while on holiday in Lanzarote last week.

Three members of Paul's family have been affected by cancer in the past year, inspiring him to take up the challenge.

"All the money raised for Macmillan will go back to caring for cancer patients in this area," said Paul, 29.

"It's my way of giving back something to the charity, which has been a great help to my family."

David, 29, of Stockton, chose the spinal rehabilitation charity after his wife, Lesley, took part in it, saying it had "completely changed her life".

Paul, David and Andrew, 25, from Newcastle, will be joined by three friends on the ride.

They are hoping to raise about £750. To sponsor them, phone David Elliott on (01642) 642042.