Charity volunteers in Otley are preparing to take on a 390 kilometre 'pedal against poverty' challenge.

Helpers at the town's Oxfam shop will be clocking up the distance - 242 miles - on an exercise bike in the week before the 2014 Tour de France begins.

The Tour's opening day route on Saturday, July 5 will go right past the Boroughgate shop so manager Janet Harthen thought it would be a good idea to launch a linked

event.

The public will also be invited to join in and help the sponsored cycle - whose goal distance matches that which will be covered by the Tour's riders over the Grand

Depart weekend - between Monday, June 30 and Friday, July 4.

Janet said: "This will be a real challenge as many admit of our volunteers admit it has been years since they last rode a bike, but the effort should be well worthwhile

for such a good cause.

"Customers will have the opportunity to join in this static bike ride too, to help them reach their target, or they can contribute by sponsoring the riders or adding to

the collections being made all week at the shop."

Proceeds will help Oxfam's many projects aimed at tackling poverty around the world.