STAFF from the Environment Agency's Newcastle office are getting on their bikes for charity.

Eleven women, one man and a dog called Emma are cycling across the region this weekend.

The effort is in aid of Ovacome, the ovarian cancer chairty, and St Oswald's, a hospice at Gosforth, Newcastle.

One of the team, Paula Buchan, said: "We've got the strongest group of thighs you're likely to see and it's time to put them to good use."

Sponsorship and donations will be welcomed by Paula Buchan on 0191-203 4000.