ORGANISERS of a popular bike ride are appealing for cyclists to help make the event the best ever.

Veterans of the Tetley Tour de Teasside turned out last week to launch the promotional drive for this year's ride which will raise cash for cancer research.

The Devin family, Richard, Kath and Tom have all taken part in the Tetley bike ride before.

Richard Devin said: "Family members have died of cancer and we all know someone who has been affected by the disease, so we urge everyone to join the ride to raise more money for vital research."

The ride covers two circular routes, one of 30km and one of 60km. Both routes start and finish at the Tetley GB factory in Eaglescliffe. The event starts at 10.30 on Sunday, June 18, and is open to cyclists of all ages.

Lindsay Kay, area appeals executive for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, said: "This year we hope to recruit more than 300 cyclists and make this our must successful year ever."

The ride is now in its seventh year and has raised £90,000 for the fund.

To take part in this year's event, call the bike ride hotline on 0113 231 9828 and ask for an entry pack.

Cut fares for

under-16s

A CHEAP bus fare scheme is being aimed at thousands of County Durham youngsters to encourage them to use public transport.

Over 14s, who currently pay full fare, will be able to travel for half price thanks to the £100,000 scheme drawn up by Durham County Council in partnership with Investing in Children.

The special bus cards will allow them cheaper travel until the end of the school year - August 31 - in which they become 16.

The card covers travel after 6pm on week days and throughout weekends and school holidays.

"Young people came to see us last autumn to tell us how they could improve transport services to people of their age," said Coun Don Robson, leader of Durham County Council.

"The IIC card is very much a partnership between the county council, young people, their schools, bus operators and Investing in children, with the young people involved throughout the process - even down to choosing the name of the card.

"We hope this cheaper fares scheme will enable more young people to take part in after school activities and social events without the burden of paying extra."

He also hoped it would encourage children to use public transport more and rely less on cars when they became adults.

Application forms will be available from Tuesday from schools, libraries and bus inquiry offices. Cards will cost £2 and be valid for travel from May 27.

Wanted, pictures

telling the century

A HERITAGE centre is appealing for access to family albums for a special exhibition of photographs.

The Margrove heritage centre near Guisborough wants pictures for the Celebrating Our Century 1900-1999 display.

The exhibition will run between June 11 and August 28 and the centre wants to attract submissions from anyone living, working or studying in Redcar and Cleveland.

The council museums service wants every picture to tell a story - gran's wedding, Uncle Bill in the war, a family day out or holiday, a favourite location, building or important event.

Pictures can be black and white or colour and must be clearly marked with name, address and phone number, along with a caption of no more than 100 words. Photopgraphs should be sent to the Margrove heritage centre, Margrove Park, Boosbeck TS12 3BZ before May 28.

Biking mad

PRESTON Hall museum, Stockton, goes biking mad over the May Day holiday weekend. A full range of Harley Davidson motorcycles will be there: "There are some of the world's most amazing motorbikes at this event, some real dream machines. Worth seeing even if you are not an enthusiast," said the museum's collections manager Mr Julian Herbert. The exhibition is open Sunday and Monday. Admission is £1 and 50p.