A POLICE chief is getting on his bike to visit all major stations in his force area tomorrow.

Setting off from force headquarters, at Aykley Heads, at 6am, Durham Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will cycle with 15 volunteer police officers and civilian staff.

They will cover 121 miles, calling at Chester-le-Street, Stanley, Consett, Crook, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Peterlee, Seaham and Durham City stations.

They hope to be back at force headquarters at about 5pm.

The cycling challenge was devised by the outgoing chief ahead of his retirement later this year.

It will support two of his favoured good causes, Durham Agency Against Crime, of which he is a board member, and Women v Cancer, which backs charities fighting breast, ovarian and cervical cancer.

The keen cyclist said the chosen route should prove a test for even seasoned riders.

He said: “I was always wanting to do something to help two very worthy causes, and this seemed like an excellent opportunity.

“It is a non-competitive event, but it is going to be a very testing and demanding course.

“There are a few tough uphill sections, from Chester-le- Street to Stanley, and between Consett and Crook, while one of the later sections is 15 miles between Peterlee and Spennymoor, which includes two major climbs. By that stage, it is going to prove really hard and a test of stamina.

“We have to keep taking energy drinks, and regularly take on cake, sandwiches and chocolate at feeding stops.”

Mr Stoddart’s wife, Kate, herself a keen supporter of Women v Cancer, will lead three volunteer caterers, who will travel ahead of the cyclists by car to provide food and drink along the route.