BURY special constable Chris Patton is getting saddled up for a special assignment.

The 32-year-old, who normally patrols a beat on his bike along the Manchester Canal on Sundays, will be absent from duty on September 10.

Chris is taking part in a 100-mile bike ride for the Christie's Against Cancer appeal.

He decided to tackle the gruelling ride in memory of his father-in-law, Mervyn Nicholson, who was a Christie's patient when he died in April last year.

Chris, who works as a stacker-driver at Asda's store in Pilsworth, said: "I want to do the ride for him and for other relatives who have been treated at Christie's.

"It will also serve to wave the flag a bit for the specials and the force. I've never done anything like it before, but I think I'm fit enough."

While Chris has a bike for his police work, he does not own one but is being allowed to borrow one from the force for the day.

The Manchester 100 Bike Ride starts and finishes at Wythenshawe Park and organisers are still hunting for people to take part.

Money received by Christie's from the ride will boost the hospital's £25 million centenary appeal, which aims to fund research and new facilities and develop more effective and "kinder" cancer treatments.

Details can be obtained from Paul Bailey, projects manager for Christie's, on 0161-446-3988.