FRIENDS of a man killed by a rare heart disease are planning a charity cycle ride in his memory.

Levon Morland, 22, of West Rainton, County Durham, was apparently fit and healthy but died earlier this year of Wolfe Parkinson White Disease, which causes occasional heart murmurs.

His family and friends have started raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry), which offers support to grieving families and raises awareness of heart problems in children and young people.

This weekend, Levon's elder brother, Brendan, and a group of friends will ride 250 miles through the Northumberland and County Durham countryside, following a route in the shape of a heart.

They hope their six-day "crycycle'' will raise a good sum for the charity and help raise its profile.

The riders will set off from Stamfordham in Northumberland, on Sunday, and head for Kielder Forest and the Cheviot Hills.

They will ride cross country to Harbottle and Wooler and head down the coast to Alnmouth before heading inland to Stocksfield and back to West Rainton.

This Thursday, Levon's father, Jeff, 48, will be performing at O'Neill's with his rhythm and blues band, Barking Billy and the Scrapyard Dogs.

The band played a successful fundraiser at the pub earlier this year. Proceeds will go to the charity.

The gig starts at 8.30pm and admission is free.

To sponsor the riders, call at the pub or ring Steve Percival on (07811) 691493.