CYCLISTS taking part in a charity ride will compete to take home a shield.

Mayor of Darlington, Gerald Lee, is hosting the charity bike ride on Sunday, June 15.

He is offering a charity shield to whoever raises the most for his chosen charities, the Butterwick Hospice and the Phoenix Recovery Centre.

Cllr Lee said: “I want the event to be huge success and for those taking part to enjoy their ride and raise as much as they can for my charities.

“The shield is an added incentive and I look forward to presenting it to the best fundraiser.”

Riders can compete in the challenging 40-mile long Border Bike Ride which takes in villages around Darlington or the easier Family Cycle Ride which involves cycling twelve one-mile laps around South Park.

The Border Bike Ride sets off between 8.30am and 9.30am from the Bedford Street entrance to the park while the family ride begins at the Clock Tower at 10.30am.

Entry is £5 and forms are available from the Dolphin Centre and online at darlington.gov.uk/mayorscharitybikerides.