A GLUSBURN couple are saddling up for a gruelling charity challenge.

Tim and Sara Ferguson are to cycle 1,000 kilometres through France this summer to raise money for Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

They will be part of a 14-strong group riding from Caen to Alpe d’Huez over seven days, raising money for different causes.

The Baxter Wood couple, both keen cyclists, aim to coin-in £10,000.

"Manorlands is a charity close to my heart," said Tim, 46, who runs the High Adventure outdoor education centre at Cowling.

"The hospice is an incredible place which is in desperate need of people's help to keep going."

He and Sara, 47, are both affiliated to Cycle Sport Pendle.

"We already do quite a lot of cycling but we are upping the mileage in preparation for the event in June," said Tim.

"We've never tackled this sort of distance before so it will be quite a challenge."

As part of their fundraising campaign, the couple are staging a comedy night at High Adventure on February 21.

It will kick-off various activities.

Master of ceremonies for the evening will be Dan Nightingale and comedians will include Barry Dodds, Rob Mulholland and headliner Steve Shanyaski.

Tickets are £15 and there will be a licensed bar.

Mr Mulholland urges people to get their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.

"There are three brilliant acts and I'm very excited about the evening – it will be a great night for a great cause," he said.

Tickets can be obtained by phoning 01535 630400.

Tim and Sara have an online fundraising page – justgiving.com/TIMandSARAfergusonRIDE1000 – for anyone wishing to support their challenge.

"One hundred per cent of the money raised goes to Manorlands – we are committing our own time and monies to pay for all costs incurred," said Tim.

Manorlands – which provides free care to people with life-limiting illnesses across Airedale, Craven and north and west Bradford – costs £2.9 million a year to run, but only part of that is covered by statutory funds. The hospice has to raise over £1.6 million through its own activities and donations.