A TEAM of Wirral cyclists take to the road next week for a 175-mile trek in aid of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

The group from Birkenhead Victoria Cycling Club has set itself the challenge of riding from Gretna Green in Scotland, through England then finishing in Garden City in Wales.

They will undertake this momentous challenge on Sunday, July 21 and hope to complete the ride in approximately 11 hours.

Known locally as the ‘Vics,’ members taking part are organiser Nick Taylor, Phil Dobbing, Mark Williams, Ian Casson, Gary Glark, Bobby Jones, Derek Parry, Adam Hoolahan and Rob Hargreaves.

Phil Dobbing said: "The Mayor was more than happy to come along and support the event.

"The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is very close to my heart following on from the treatment and support my in-laws received at the Centre.

"We are training hard for the ride and fully supporting the charity. We hope to raise over £2,000".

Louise Beach, fundraising manager for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity added: "It was an honour to have the Mayor attend the Centre to support the cyclists and our charity.

"As the only charity to raise money to benefit Clatterbridge cancer patients and families across the region, we rely on the support of people like the Birkenhead Victoria Cycling Club.

"The guys have put a lot of work into training and raising money so we would like to thank them on behalf of all our patients for their fantastic efforts."

To sponsor the cyclists visit www.justgiving/BirkenheadVictoriaCyclingClub