POLICE in East Lancashire are gearing up for a 62-mile charity cycle challenge to raise money for two hospices.

Officers from Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley will swap their police hats for cycle helmets to ride from Manchester to Blackpool this Sunday.

They are hoping to raise £1,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice, near Preston and East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn.

The ride takes place every year and sees more than 8,000 cyclists gather at Old Trafford before heading out through Leigh and Chorley and finishing beneath the iconic mirror ball on Blackpool’s South Promenade.

Divisional Commander for Eastern Division Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood, who is taking part, said: “Cancer is a dreadful disease which touches a lot of people and I’m aware of the good work that both hospices do to support those who are suffering and their families.”

To sponsor the team people can visit www.sponsor me.co.uk/anneelmer/manchester-to-blackpool-bike-ride.aspx