KEEN cyclists will be getting into the saddle on Bank Holiday Monday to complete a gruelling ride in the Lake District to raise money for charity.

Starting at the tourist information centre car park in Coniston, between 90 and 100 people will be taking part in the Fred Whitton Challenge.

The sponsored ride was set up four years ago by the Barrow-based Lakes Road Club, after Mr Whitton, a founder member of the club, lost his fight against cancer.

The 114-mile event takes in the six passes of the Lake District, including Honister and Hard Knott.

All the proceeds from the challenge will be split between the Macmillan Nurses charity and the Dave Rayner memorial Fund, which sponsors talented riders to race abroad.

The Fred Whitton Challenge ride recently appeared in Cycling Weekly magazine.

Members of the Lakes Road Club wrote to the magazine and told the writers they believed it was one of the hardest rides in the country and challenged anyone to complete it.

Writers for the magazine accepted the challenge.

A member of the Lakes Road Club, Dave Parker said: " When they had completed the ride they agreed it was one of the hardest rides they had ever done.

"This will be the third time we have done the sponsored ride and this year we have got more riders signed up than ever.

Every year we have had beautiful weather and we always say that Fred is looking down on us, so we are hoping for some of the same this year."

Anyone who would like to take part have until tomorrow to register by ringing Paul Loftus on 01229-716582.