A POLICE officer is preparing for a gruelling 16-hour charity bike ride.

PC Lee Proctor, an officer with the territorial support group in Sunderland, hopes to raise hundreds of pounds when he attempts the coast-to-coast cycle challenge in one sitting.

The 140-mile route between Whitehaven, in Cumbria, and Roker is a favourite route for long-distance cyclists who usually complete the journey in two or three days.

But PC Proctor is setting off at about 4am on July 25 and aims to reach Sunderland 16 hours later.

To make it even more difficult, he is taking the off-road route on his mountain bike.

He will be joined on the ride by his friend Brian Taylor, a partner in a cycle shop in Sunderland.

The pair will raise money for Children Today, a national charity which funds mobility equipment for disabled children, helping them lead more independent lives.

PC Proctor said: "Although I am looking forward to the ride I will be glad when it is over and I can rest my legs.

"I just hope to raise as much money as possible for this very worthwhile cause."

Anyone wanting to sponsor PC Proctor can contact him on 0191-454 7555, extension 66329.