Jonathan Bartley, 48, of Abbots Gardens in Cawood, describes cycling as his main exercise and on May 11 he will tackle the sponsored event's 45-mile route with his stepson and cycling partner Simon Richardson, 38.

Each Sunday Mr Richardson joins the Selby Tesco worker to cycle within a 40-mile radius of Mr Bartley's Cawood home in preparation for the big event.

Mr Bartley said: "I'm really looking forward to this fun event. I came to Selby about four years ago and that coincided with me taking up the sport to shed a few pounds, and for the past three years I've entered the annual sponsored bike ride.

"I'm now a few pounds lighter and I've taken part in a few fund-raising events including the 48-hour, four churches endurance race from Selby to Durham, but this is the one I always look forward to."

He added: "The bike ride will be the first big event of the year for us so it's always a challenge. Friends and family are always generous with sponsorship and they have helped us to raise a few hundred pounds over the years."

The Selby Times-sponsored event is organised by Selby District Lions. Entry forms can be picked up from the Selby Times office, Selby Bike Centre and Halifax Building Society, all in Gowthorpe, as well as Halfords at the Three Lakes Retail Park in Bawtry Road and all other cycle shops in the area.

Money raised will be shared between the British Heart Foundation, martin House Hospice, St Leonards Hospice, Arthritis Research campaign and Selby Lions' local charities.

Bikers can enter the 25 or 45-mile circuits, both starting outside Barlby High School at 10am. Fee for the longer route is £3 adults, £1.50 for under-16s, while the shorter route costs £2.50 for adults and £1.25 for juniors. Teams of six can enter for £12. Buy the Selby Times to keep undated on the big day.