A CLITHEROE man and his friends who are all turning 50 are cycling the 1968 Tour De France route for charity.

Andy Carson and pals Will Jackson-Moore, Jerry Scagell and Simon Abrahams will cycle over 4,651km in 24 days, from August 1 -25.

The group has raised £36,000 so far for Cancer Research and Harrison’s Fund, a charity set up by his cousin Alex Smith for his son. Young Harrison has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the charity will help fund research into cures.

Mr Carson (above) has been training for a year, even cycling to Chamonix in the French Alps.

He said: “It’s over 1,000km longer than last year's Tour de France route, but we will do it in the same number of days. We’ll climb over 56,125 metres, and the longest day will cover 327km. I heard about Harrison’s Fund through Will and as a dad of twins myself it really touched my heart.

"I also want to thank The Green Jersey bike store and The Fell bike store in Clitheroe for all their advice and support in the ride.”

The route will start in Vittel, France, passing through Luxembourg, Belgium, Andorra, Switzerland, and Spain.