A GROUP of hardy cyclists have saddled up for an epic bike ride to France in a bid to raise cash for a good cause.

Executive head teacher at Our Lady & St John Catholic College in Blackburn, Patrick Murden, along with his son and six others, embarked on the trek yesterday (Wednesday).

The group begun a 10-day ride from Manchester as they cycle over 1,000km to Lourdes, a small market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees in South West France.

They will be raising money for the Children’s and Families Catholic trust, which supports pilgrimage holidays to the Catholic Marian Shrine of Lourdes.

In addition, 21 businesses have added their logo’s to the cyclists shirts.

All cyclists are self-funding and have donated their own time and money to the cause.

Most will also act as volunteers during the pilgrimage week on arrival.

The cyclists kits have been sponsored by St Patrick’s and OLSJ Catholic Partnership as they promote “Step in to Teaching” through its Initial Teacher Training Programme.