DETERMINED cyclists are getting pumped up to go the distance for Royal Lancaster Infirmary children's ward.

A gruelling 285-mile bike ride from London to Lancaster lies ahead for the team from Bicycle Magic.

They want to complete the challenge within 24 hours - and have already attracted £1,500 sponsorship from local businesses to finish on time.

But the team hopes others will support the cause, which will see proceeds donated to RLI to buy costly monitors for young diabetic patients.

Morecambe Bay Hospitals' fund-raising manager Alma Carruthers says: "It is fantastic what they are doing and I have no doubt they will achieve it in style. We are delighted they are doing it."

The continuous blood glucose monitors cost between £2,000 and £3,000 each. They are small, similar in size to a personal bleeper, and strap to a child's body.

Worn for three days, the monitors take accurate readings of a child's blood glucose levels every five minutes, helping a paediatrician decide the best treatment.

The charity bike ride is on August 29 when the riders will set off from Bicycle Magic's London shop and pedal the length of the country to Lancaster's Penny Street shop.

Team member Tony Williams is a shop salesman and former Army outdoor training instructor who rides for the Lune Racing Cycling Club.

The 41-year-old says he has no doubts they will cover the distance on time.

"We were looking to do a challenge from the shop for the community. We all come from this area and have wanted to do something for a while," he says. "We are trying to raise as much as we can."

o To find out more, visit Bicycle Magic on Penny Street. Donations should be payable by cheque to Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity and sent to Bicycle Magic.City questions Post Office closures