FIVE cyclists are to ride across Scotland to raise money for a hospital cancer unit.

The 265-mile journey from Ayr, in the South-West, to Inverness, in the North-East, will aid Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Tom Russell, who works for Darlington Borough Council, chose the hospital to benefit after the care it offered his 75-year-old mother, Mary, before she died.

He will be joined by work colleagues Stuart Muckle, Les Pownall and David McGluckin, and neighbour Neill Locket.

Mr Russell said: "I lost my mother in March this year. She was well looked after in Darlington for a couple of months before she passed away."

The cyclists have been given football shirts by Darlington Football Club, which they will wear on part of the journey.

Darlington FC's director of public relations Luke Raine said: "The club is proud to have its name linked with such a worthy cause and we wish the cyclists well."

The ride begins on Friday and is expected to finish on Tuesday.

Anybody who would like to sponsor the riders can contact Mr Russell on (01325) 388754.