CHARITY mountain bikers are to test their skills at Hamsterley Forest as they seek to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance.

The Hamsterley Beast is set to attract hundreds of bikers from across the country who will aim to raise more than £10,000 for the life saving service.

The event on Saturday (May 9) is not a race and riders can complete an 18 mile or 40 mile route through the forest.

Chris Carr, of Prudhoe, in Northumberland, who helped organise the ride, said: “Because of what we do and where we do it, the air ambulance is often the only way to get help for an injured rider.

“That’s why we want to give something back.”

The Great North Air Ambulance Service relies on donations to keep flying.

Entry to the event is £20 in advance or £25 on the day and there will be prizes for the biggest fundraisers.

Registration is from 8am and the ride starts at 10am from near the forest cafe at Ordnance Survey grid NZ091312 or post code DL13 3NL.