LABOUR’S Parliamentary candidate for Rossendale, Will Straw, is to embark on a charity cycle in aid of Rossendale Hospice.

Mr Straw and three friends will tackle a three-day trip from London to the Valley, starting on July 4 – the same weekend that Le Tour De France passes East Lancashire.

Mr Straw said: “Everyone who has seen what the Rossendale Hospice does to help people with life-limiting illnesses knows that it is among the most deserving charities in Lancashire.

"When three of my pals said it would be impossible to cycle from London to Rossendale on my own, I think they meant that I could only make it if they were there too.

“Our peloton will be spending three days on the road from July 4 to 6. It’s going to be hard work but all the bike grease and sweat will be worth it if we can raise as much money as possible for the Hospice.”

Paul Gauntlett, head of fund-raising at Rossendale Hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Will and his friends for choosing to support Rossendale Hospice by making such a personal commitment of their time and energy.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring the quartet can do so at the website www.justgiving.com/Will-Straw.