SCHOOL staff are planning a gruelling cycle race to raise funds for the benefit of their students.

Staff from the pre-prep department of St Martin's Ampleforth School, at Gilling Castle, near York, will be racing from Land's End back to the school.

The race will pitch headmaster Nick Higham and head of pre-prep Mark Harrison against the school's procurator Peter Bryan and fundraising director Jozef Mycielski.

The challenge will begin next Saturday when the teams will leave Gilling Castle after the annual parents' open day to travel down to Land's End for the race back to Yorkshire.

The two teams aim to make the return journey over four-and-a-half days, with the first team back the winners.

Both teams are looking for sponsorship from parents, old boys and the local community with funds going towards the St Martin's Appeal and a new stage in the sports hall.

Mr Higham said: "Mark and I decided to add another dimension to the appeal by challenging Peter and Jozef to a race. We will have to cover more than 100 miles per day which means an eye watering ten hours a day in the saddle.

"We are looking to raise more than £50,000.

"There is a real need for a fully-equipped stage in our sports hall to accommodate plays, concerts and other celebrations; the new facility will become a fabulous facility for the local community."

Mr Bryan added: "Jozef and I were thrilled to take on the challenge. It will be incredibly tough, covering 500 miles in such a short period of time, but will be worth it for the funds we are looking to raise."

St Martin's Ampleforth is based at Gilling Castle, a grade I-listed building dating back to the 14th Century.