SERIOUS training will begin soon for a quartet of local cyclists who will be doing the iconic 54-mile London to Brighton ride in June.

They are Kevin Mears of K J M Services at the bottom of Four Mills Lane at Fordton, Crediton, his 14-years-old son William, friends Bill Pavely of Okehampton and Andrew Walker who lives near Winkleigh.

All are members of Okehampton Cycling Club. The London-Brighton is in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Andrew did the London-Brighton "years ago" on a mountain bike. "The BHF is a good charity and this time I asked Kevin and Will to come along, we’ve been friends for years," said Andrew, an electrical mechanical engineer.

He has been a mountain biker all his life, taking up road cycling in 2016. He helps run Cycling for Beginners courses in Okehampton. They meet every Sunday morning in Simmonds Park at Okehampton where some of the older people go out on electric bikes.

"We have a really good time and stop part way at a cafe or pub, Kevin and Will usually come along as well," said Andrew.

Kevin, William And Alister Kidd (local ground worker) have taken up the double challenge of doing London-Brighton and the 100 mile Nello for FORCE Cancer Charity at the end of June.

"The London-Brighton is a warm up for the Nello," said Kevin. He got back into cycling two years ago having done a lot as a boy and young man, cycling then in aid of the British Red Cross.

William, a QE pupil at Crediton, bought his bike last June. He also plays rugby for Crediton RFC.

"When Andy invited us to join him in the London-Brighton we thought it would be a good way of supporting BHF and then the Nello because we have had cancer in the family," Kevin said.

The legendary London-Brighton is 54 miles, 44 years-old it is Europe’s oldest charity bike ride. It starts from Clapham Common. More than 4,000 riders are booked for this year’s adventure.

The first Nello Century Cycle Challenge was in 2000, it is a charity cycle ride, not a race, is supported throughout by The Bike Shed. The 100 miles takes riders across the county, challenging hills, fantastic downhill sections and stunning views if they dare to look.

They all have Justgiving pages, Andrew has Justgiving on “Facebook”, or call at KJM Motors to sponsor them.