A GROUP of hardy riders are tackling the French Alps to raise money for charity.

The 40 riders will ride 570 miles, starting on September 1, to raise money for the Blackburn Youth Zone and Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The journey will see them cycle through 5 Cols of the Alps to Grenoble, then onward to the infamous Alpe d’Huez and after a further 7 Cols, reach the Giant of Provence Mont Ventoux, before the most stunning cycle through Gorges De La Nesque, reaching heights of 63,000ft altitude.

Stephen Pritchard, who organised the challenge, said: “After completing the ‘Out of This World’ Cycle Challenge in aid of Bolton Lads and Girls' Club, which raised £30,000, I can’t wait to do it all again to help better the lives of children in Blackburn and raise funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation to make lives easier for those suffering with cancer.”