A TEAM of cyclists is planning to ride coast-to-coast in a just over half a day.

Four Chester-le-Street riders will undertake the 137-mile challenge from Whitehaven to Sunderland.

They estimate it will take them 13 hours.

All members of the team attend circuit training classes run by freelance fitness instructor Craig Horne.

Mr Horne said: "Everybody we have spoken to said it cannot be done in that time but we are going to prove them wrong. I like a challenge and we are all well up for it.

"We are taking a support vehicle but we won't need it. I never give up on a challenge and this is a big one."

He will be joined by Claire Smith, 29, and Brian Scott, 34, of Chester-le-Street, Paul Pascoe, 34, of Witton Gilbert, and 42-year-old Paul Sibbald of Washington.

Mr Horne said the record for the feat is nine hours but said the team was not trying to break that.

The team is not only hoping to complete the challenge in the time but members also want to raise more than £1,000 for North-East charity Cancer Bridge.

The group would like to hear from businesses and individuals that are prepared to sponsor them.

Anyone who wants to help can call Mr Horne on 07968 836997.

Mr Horne's circuit training class is at The Hermitage School in Chester-le-Street on Mondays and Wednesdays between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.