POLICE in East Lancashire are gearing up for a 62-mile charity cycle ride from Manchester to Blackpool 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 on Sunday.

The 15-strong team have been cycling together and individually over the past few weeks and are hoping to raise £1,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice, near Preston and East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn Lancashire Police Chief Supt Bob Eastwood, who is taking part, said: “I’ve been training for a few months now. It was tough at first but I’m getting used to it and it’s good exercise.

“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, visit http://www.sponsorme.co.uk/anneelmer/manchester-to-blackpool-bike-ride.aspx