A TEAM of inspectors from Burnley police are gearing up for a 146-mile coast-to-coast charity bike ride.

A team of seven officers will swap police helmets for cycle helmets and ride from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast to Tynemouth, near Newcastle, starting today until Thursday.

The sponsored ride will raise money for the Magdalene Project; a charity based in Bacup which works with the victims of child sexual abuse.

Inspector Phil Hutchinson, who is doing the ride said: “Having looked at a number of national charities, we decided we wanted to do the ride to benefit a local cause, and there was no better cause for us than helping young victims of sexual abuse.

“If our bike ride also helps to raise their profile, that’s even better.”

Irene Alderson, the director of The Magdalene Project, said: “We’re very grateful to Phil and his colleagues for wanting to help us continue our work with some of the most vulnerable and challenged people in society.”

To sponsor the team, visit www.justgiving.com/ TeamDRI.