CHARITY fundraisers have come up with their own cycling challenge to rival some of the most well known races in the world.

Organisers of the Tour of Teesside hope to make the name as famous as the Tour de France, just with a few more laughs and lot more fundraising.

Fat Lads on Bikes founder Neal Bullock, who was seriously injured when he collided with a wall while taking part in a charity Coast to Coast ride, hopes the event will attract 400 people and become an annual race.

"We started working on this idea before the announcement about the Tour de Yorkshire coming to Middlesbrough," he said. "We are really pleased that the race will help to promote our fundraising activities and we really hope it will encourage more people to sign up.

"So far we have 50 people taking part but we are hoping to sign up 400 in total. The main course is 41.4 miles but there is an event at the Middlesbrough Sports Village track for younger riders who want to take part."

The fundraisers are also working with a number of different charities, such as the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Fund, The Ellen Timney Foundation and MS Middlesbrough.

He added: "People keep asking me why we are organising a Tour of Teesside but the circuit will take in a number of iconic landmarks and sites including The Riverside, the Brian Clough statue, Roseberry Topping and Gisborough Priory - it will be a beautiful ride.

"This not just about us raising money for Ward 14 at James Cook University Hospital, it's about as many people as possible raising as much money as possible for whatever charity they want to. Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible, we want to work with other charities to ensure it is as good as it can be."

As well as the cycle challenge on Sunday, May 29, the fundraisers are organising a golf day and drag night plus they have 51 spaces in the Great North Run and are holding a Gallon Walk in September for their less athletically-minded supporters.

To help cover the costs of organising the event, there is a £20 registration fee for adults and £10 for five to 16 year-olds.

To book a place or for further information visit www.fatladsonbikes.com/index.php/news/events/tour-of-teesside