CHILDREN about to embark on a bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats have helped to welcome a bike race to town.

Yesterday, youngsters from Hummersknott School, Darlington, joined Darlington Cycling Club to help announce that the second stage of the Tour of Britain will leave from the town on Sunday, September 13.

It is the second year the race has left from Darlington.

Last year, cyclists from Hummersknott led the race as riders left the town. It is hoped that can be repeated again this year.

Next month, nine Hummersknott students hope to complete the trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 15 days, raising money for St Teresa’s Hospice and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Gary Morley, from the school, said: “I am really proud of them. They have been training now for oneand- a-half years on most weekends.

“Their commitment is unbelievable.”