A BIKE ride from Masham to The Masham will raise funds for the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team.

The 36-mile trip from the North Yorkshire market town to the pub in Hartburn, Stockton, is happening on Sunday, May 24, followed by a barbecue with live music.

As landlord of The Masham for 22 years, John Eddy has taken part in several epic charity challenges in the past including climbing 18,000ft to Everest Base Camp while raising thousands of pounds for the Butterwick Hospice.

Mr Eddy, who is organising the event involving 55 riders, said he was inspired by his friend and fellow chef, Matty Brown, who staged a similar but shorter bike ride from the Bay Horse in Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, to its namesake in Hurworth, near Darlington.

“There’s a strong sense of community here and I like doing outdoor stuff so if we can also do something for a local charity then it’s ideal and everyone’s a winner,” he said.

The barbecue in The Masham beer garden starts at 4pm and is open to all with tickets costing £10 per adult and £5 for under 15s. Live music acts include Cherry Head Cherry Heart, acoustic duo The Evans Brothers and Loose Like a Goose.