A TEABAG factory has stirred up dismay with the cancellation of an annual fundraising event.

Tetley's has run sponsored cycle rides for Imperial Cancer Research from its Eaglescliffe factory, on Teesside, for six years.

The "Tour de Teesside", June rides have raised almost £100,000 for Imperial Cancer Research since they began in 1994.

Tetley's has dropped the cycle rides this year. A company spokeswoman said: "We have not had any more volunteers to help run the thing.

"With the extension of the factory, which is now working seven days a week, 24 hours a day, it would be difficult to provide the facilities that we have done in the past."

The spokeswoman said the charity had been informed and was grateful for all the money the Tour de Teesside had raised over the years.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "I know there are a set of circumstances which have led to this. It is unfortunate we are going to have to skip this year.

"It is unfortunate for the people who have supported us over the last six years.

"What we would hope is they will still go out and raise money on their own and come back and support us at an official event in the year 2002."

Over the years, hundreds of cyclists have participated in the event, and it has has attracted its own veteran following.

There was always a 60 km circuit, for dedicated cyclists and, running alongside it, a family ride around villages in the Stockton area.

The first Tour de Teesside, organised in 1994, raised £7,000.

Cyclists came from as far afield as Sheffield and Newcastle to take part.

Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards gave the rides his backing in 1997, with the message: "If you want to fund cures and save lives, get on your bike and sign up."

Concerned that not everyone will have heard that the Tour de Teesside is cancelled, Imperial Cancer Research is asking supporters to telephone its Leeds base on (0113) 2319828, for more information.