Officers in charity cycling bid

Four Lancashire police officers and an ex-professional cyclist are set to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats in a bid to raise money for Help for Heroes.

Det Insp Graham Coates, PC Richard Booth, DC Mike Foreman, PC Rob Wood and ex- professional cyclist Andy Slater, who have called themselves The Lancashire Highwaymen, are undertaking the bike ride between Saturday 4 June and Saturday 11 June.

Det Insp Coates said: "We are looking to raise as much money as we can for this worthy cause and we are ready for the challenge.

"We are looking for donations for the event and it would be great to see the local people get behind us."

The team will be aiming to complete the 920-mile route in eight days, at an average of 115 miles per day. The officers are self-funding their transport, accommodation and food.

Two Chorley high schools are backing the team - Parklands is holding a non-uniform day and Southlands is holding a series of events including a non-uniform day and sponsored run.

Det Insp Coates and PC Booth are based at Chorley, DC Foreman is based at Bamber Bridge and PC Wood is based at St Annes.

Lancashire Constabulary has joined the rest of the UK police service in supporting Help for Heroes. Between June and August, the force is encouraging its officers and staff to do their bit to support the 'Operation raise a £Million' campaign.

The charity Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 to support wounded servicemen and women.

If anyone wishes to sponsor The Lancashire Highwaymen, they can donate at:

www.justgiving.com/Mike-Foreman

Alternatively, Det Insp Graham Coates or Richard Booth can be contacted on 01257 246307.