A DARLINGTON business is supporting a charity coast to coast cycle ride raising funds for the local branch of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

Robin Raine, whose wife has MS, visited the Tubwell Row branch of Darlington Building Society, where staff wished him luck for his 170-mile, three-day ride.

He will ride from Morecambe to Bridlington alongside other members of Darlington Rotary Club and hopes to raise £1,000 for the charity.

Mr Raine is a keen fundraiser for the local branch of the society, which covers Darlington, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield.

Its aim is to provide support, advice and guidance to people with MS, their carers and families.

It has 144 members and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2012.

Staff at each building society branch can choose to make a donation to worthy causes from an annual Darlington Building Society community support fund.

Sheena Hunter, district manager at Darlington Building Society said: “Robin is obviously a very passionate and committed fundraiser and we hope he succeeds in the cycling challenge.”

Mr Raine said: “I am immensely grateful to everyone who is supporting me.

"The Darlington MS Society needs to raise substantial sums of money every year to enable it to carry on its vital work.

"I know from personal experience how important this is and am proud to be able to play a part in ensuring it continues.”

For more information about Mr Raine's challenge visit mssociety.org.uk/near-me/branches/darlington-and-district-branch