CYCLISTS across the Vale are planning to lend their support to the Evesham Bell Tower Appeal by taking on an journey of hundreds of miles this summer.

The trip would be part of a cycling festival in Evesham, CycleFest, and would see one group of fundraisers head from the Abbey Bell Tower to the country's tallest Bell Tower at the Houses of Parliament while other bike enthusiasts and amateur cyclists tackled local routes.

It is part of a plan by Steve Bullen, who set up the Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group following the Olympics and it is just one of a number of projects he is currently working on.

"We thought it would be a good idea to do a Cyclefest," said Mr Bullen. "The organisation is still in the early stage at the moment but the thing that looks certain to happen is a ride from Evesham to the Houses of Parliament.

"The event would be in aid of the Bell Tower appeal, but at the moment we are still trying to get people involved.

"As well as the ride to London, which would be more than 200 miles, there would be other local events as well."

Alongside this Mr Bullen, who has been working with a group on a town plan for Evesham, is hoping to get a cycle track built somewhere in the district.

"It's in my mind that our youngsters should be able to race as well as having fun," he said. It's been hard to find locations though for a cycle track. I am looking at renting an area for racing now.

"I am also talking with parish councils as part of the town plan consultation and trying to get people thinking about cycling, and one councillor to take it on. Things like this start from the grass roots."

For more information on these projects or the Honeybourne Bicycle Users Group contact Mr Bullen on 07971 989 430 or email steve@stephenbullen.com.