PEDAL-power is expected to raise cash for a wealth of charities when firefighters, posties and Bolton College lecturers saddle up on a 325 mile bike trek. The mammoth charity cycle from Plymouth to Bolton, which starts, today is the challenge for 10 local people including intrepid sailors from Bolton's adopted ship, HMS Beaver. The team includes firefighters Ian Calderbank and Paul Wolstenholme raising cash for Multiple Sclerosis; Royal Mail riders Gary Mather and Martin Berry for Greenfold Special School and college lecturers, Ian littlewood and Dave Kiddell riding for Bolton Hospice.

The saddle-sore team will be travelling from Plymouth today, staying at Naval bases and army hostels en route until they arrive back home on Friday.

The cyclists aim to reach Bolton before sailors from HMS Beaver come to town and will be treated to a welcoming reception by British Aerospace in Lostock.

Bolton shoppers will be able to see the sailors on parade, on Saturday, in Victoria Square when the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Eric Johnson, will carry out an official inspection.

The cyclists will then ride into the square for a heart-warming reception by crowds and the sailors marking their big charity effort.

The worn-out cyclists will then be able to sit back and watch a tug-of-war between Bolton firefighters and HMS Beaver battling for the Bolton Evening News Trophy.

Members of the crew will later enjoy a trip to Manchester United prior to a civic dinner in the Town Hall.

Firefighters and local policemen will be involved in a major sports tournament against the sailors at Horwich Leisure Centre on Sunday from 11am.

Organiser of the events, Steve Carey of Bolton fire station said: " It is going to be a very busy week for the bikers, culminating in an exciting weekend of events."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.