THREE cycling partners are preparing for a sponsored bike ride to raise funds and awareness of a North-East children's heart unit caring for the baby daughter of a friend.

Andrew Warner, 32 of Bearpark, near Durham, David Park, 29, of Langley Park and Jamie Bolam, 36 , of Stanley, are cycling aid of the Children's Heart Unit at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

Mr Warner said: "A close friend has had a baby girl who is quite poorly. She has born with a heart defect and has had to undergo a number of operations.

“We want to do something to give something back and to raise awareness for the unit. They are doing a fantastic job.

"Our friend’s daughter is only three weeks old and is quite critical at the moment . We are hoping for speedy recovery."

The three plan to cycle 70 miles - from Stanhope to Roker in Sunderland and back to Langley Park – on Saturday November 1.

Mr Warner, a forklift driver, is no stranger to sponsored cycle rides. He was recently joined by Mr Park in a 140-mile Coast-to-Coast cycle, raising £700 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham and took part in the Durham Big Ride raising £109 for Deerness Kennels.

He has thanked staff at Elite Combat and Fitness in Langley Moor for providing him with intensive training.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the cycle ride can contact Mr Warner on 07817753692.