OVERTON police officer Pc Paul Green and his colleague Pc Ray Niblock are planning to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats to raise money for the Wessex Cancer Trust.

The 12-day ride, which starts on 8 September, was organised after learning a colleague had cancer.

All the money raised will go towards the trust's Basingstoke Brighter Days Appeal which aims to provide an oncology ward at the North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke.

Paul said: "Ray and I, and many of our colleagues, were concerned when we heard the hospital did not have a special ward for the treatment and care of people suffering from cancer."

The pair will cover around 1,000 miles, cycling an average of 85 miles a day. Winklebury Cycles in Basingstoke is providing the bikes and equipment and they now hope to secure the services of a support vehicle and driver.

Paul added: "This will be a tough challenge for us because neither of us are experienced at long-distance cycling but we are confident of completing this challenge."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Paul or Ray can send donations via Whitchurch or Basingstoke police station or by calling 0845 045 45 45, 07776 172303 (Paul) or 07769 904150 (Ray).