A CYCLIST from Ferryhill is preparing to take part a in the Hell of the North event to raise money for Child Leukaemia Research.

John Forster will set off from the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, on Sunday, to make the 100-mile round trip to Kirkby Stephen, in Cumbria, and back.

The challenge does not stop there, though, because in addition to completing the ride, Mr Forster has set himself the target of completing the fundraising trip within eight hours.

Mr Forster is a keen cyclist and rides the daily seven-miles each way journey to his work at an engineering company in Newton Aycliffe, but he has never tackled the 100 miles distance before.

He said: "I know it is going to be a tough ride. Hopefully the training I have put in will see me through."

The Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Kath Conroy, said she was delighted that the money which Mr Forster hopes to raise would be going to aid the work of Child Leukaemia Research.

One of her grandchildren is undergoing treatment for the disease.

Coun Conroy has been working hard all year to raise money for the charity, and a group of Ferryhill Town councillors have agreed to sponsor Mr Forster's cycling challenge.

Anyone wanting to sponsor him can make a pledge or donation, made payable to John Forster, by contacting Ferryhill Town Council on (01740) 652157.