SPORTSMEN and women are invited to help raise money for a trip to the Himalayas by riding their mountain bikes round an orienteering course.

The unusual fund-raiser is being organised on August 28 by Burnley firefighter Neil Hardiman with the help of five other members of the Himalayan Hands Expedition, his sister Caroline, Debbie Taylor, Steve Catley, Ian Potter, John Chapman and Mark and Sally Clayton.

The two-day Offtrax MTB Challenge will give competitors a set time in which to complete a course of check points.

Entrants who register at Higher Towneley changing rooms in Towneley Park on August 27 from 6pm to 11pm will be given the location of check points and they then have to set their own route.

On August 28 and 29 riders will leave Towneley Park to visit as many checkpoints during a set time slot.

The Nepal trip will be on November 6 when a 50-strong squad will work on various projects. They have to raise £1,650 each to make the journey.

Entry forms and information are available by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Offtrax MTB event, 61 Burnley Road, Brierfield, Burnley BB10 2HG. Neil can be contacted on 01282 838465.

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