A TEAM of dentists is swapping drilling and filling for nine days of puffing and panting.

The trio from two North Yorkshire dental practices are gearing up to complete an epic cycle ride to help raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Dentists Richard Marsden and Sarah Glover along with practice manager Lawrence Herbert are set to begin the challenge from John O'Groats to Land’s End on May 10.

Mr Marsden, of the Red House Dental Practice in Malton, said: “This ride is definitely going to be tough – our dental practice has taken part in many activities to raise money for charities before, but this really does seem like the ultimate challenge.

“I've been out on my bike whenever I've had the chance and even met a professional triathlete while I was training. I told him what I was doing and he simply said 'Well if you aren't fit enough at the start, you certainly will be at the end’."

Mr Herbert and Dr Glover, from Birdgate Dental in Pickering, have also been training hard.

“The hardest part of preparing for the ride has been the winter weather,” said Mr Herbert.

“Cycling on our lightweight bikes in 40mph gusts hasn't been much fun – in fact, recently while tackling a big hill we nearly lost them in the wind.”

The ride, which covers 874 miles, has been being organised by Denplan, the dental payment plan specialists.

To help the effort visit justgiving.com/company/Denplan or pop into the practices in Malton and Pickering.