YOUNGSTERS aged from ten to 17 are tackling a 200-mile Coast and Castles cycle route to raise money for a Darlington hospice.

The dozen riders are from the Darlington-based Carmel College cycling club and plan to complete the gruelling ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle – with an extra 37-miles added to bring them home to Darlington – in just three days.

Club members completed a coast to coast ride last year and raised £1,830 for St Teresa’s Hospice, which will again benefit from their fundraising.

Rider, Hannah Coates, 12, is tackling the route for the first time and said: “I know the training has been challenging, but I know from my family that having cancer is an even bigger challenge, so I would like to try and raise as much money as possible for the hospice.”

St Teresa’s Hospice director, Jane Bradshaw, said: “On behalf of our patients, volunteers and staff, I’d like to offer our thanks and appreciation, and wish the best of luck to this dedicated group.”

To complete the ride in time, the youngsters will have to cycle an average of 65 miles a day and are setting off on Friday (June 20).

They hope to raise more than £2,000 and are being supported by car dealership Sherwoods Group, which will be supplying a support vehicle for transporting the riders’ kit throughout the challenge.

Anyone wishing to support the cyclists can donate online via justgiving.com/Carmel-Cycle-Club.