A CREW of cyclists from Evesham will get on their bikes later this year and descend on the capital in a bid to raise money for the town's Bell Tower.

As part of Evesham's first Cyclefest a group of fundraisers will ride from the Abbey Bell Tower to Big Ben and back again.

The event, which is open to everyone to take part in, has been called the BIG one and will see riders covering 270 miles over three days getting underway on Saturday, September 6.

Giving the event his full support is the Evesham Mayor councillor Charlie Homer, who is set to sit in the saddle for at least some of the ride after injuring his leg.

He was one of the first to sign up to take part in the main event of Cyclefest, which takes place over three weekends in September.

It won't be the first time Cllr Homer set his sights on a cycle challenge.

In 2012 he and a group of friends rode from Evesham to Rome in memory of his friend Matt Brace.

He said: "I’m looking forward to it, but I am going to have to put in some serious training before then.

"It’s a fantastic idea and should bring in some serious funds for the Bell Tower Appeal. It would be great if it could become an annual event in the town."

Sir Peter Luff, MP, will be waving the riders off at 9am as the bells in the Bell Tower ring, and some Evesham Wheelers cyclists will provide an escort to see the riders on their way.

Fiona Narburgh, head of strategy and communications at Wychavon District Council is also taking part.

She added: "I get out with Evesham Wheelers for a club ride most weeks but I’m always in the slow group so I’ll be taking my time with the BIG one and enjoying the regular brew stops en route and taking in the scenery.

"With two months until the BIG one leaves Evesham there’s still plenty of time for regular cyclists to put in some extra miles and train up for a three day back to back ride.

"I’m doing it because the event promises an excellent route, great company and of course a massive sense of achievement, as well as helping the conservation of our much loved Bell Tower."

Anyone taking part in the ride must raise at least £250 sponsorship and should contact contact Sue Ablett, chairman of the Bell Tower Appeal and Cyclefest committees, for more information on 0787 1285606 or email sueablett1@btinternet.com.

For those who would prefer a shorter ride, the Cyclefest also offers the FAMILY one, a 20 mile circular family ride to Pershore and back on Sunday, September 14, or the opportunity to join Evesham Wheelers for the CLUB one, a series of rides from 40 to 70 miles on Sunday, September 21.