BUSINESS owners in Leyland are being urged to get on their bikes and raise loads of cash for a nearby school.

Leyland-based Progress Housing Group, which owns numerous former council flats and home throughout the town, are calling on people to join the charity bike ride from Blackpool to Scarborough next week, on Tuesday, April 25.

The housing organisation is backing a team of staff and pupils from St Mary's Catholic Technical College, in Royal Avenue, Leyland, in a bid to help them raise £20,000 for a new facility at the site.

Money raised from the 300 miles charity ride will go toward a new community room at their school.

It is hoped that the new facility will prove to be a popular venue for local people as well as staff and students at the school. Bosses at Progress Housing Group which is completing a £6million housing improvement development near the school, say they are delighted to help the college's cause.

The group's chief executive, Russell Atkins, said: "We are delighted to sponsor the college because it plays a vital role in the community at Wade Hall and in Leyland itself.

"We are challenging other businesses to do the same for this very worthwhile project."

Jimmy O'Donnell, lay chaplain at St Mary's, said: "Our community room will make a major improvement in our links with the community.

"Sponsorship is a very good way for local businesses to be involved and we are very grateful to Progress Housing Group and any others that can do so."

To join the cycle challenge call Jimmy on 421909.