A group of rugby players will swap the training ground for the open road as they take on a major charity bike ride.

The players from Whitehaven RUFC will cycle to every rugby union club in Cumbria - pedalling a total of 291 miles in three days.

Lee Jones, of the club, decided to organise the event following the success of the Copeland Christmas Food Project, which was led by Whitehaven RUFC’s Jordan Mattinson.

Lee said: “Taking into account what Jordan does, I thought we could organise an event and integrate it with a bit of sport.”

The group have set a fundraising target of £10,000 and the money raised will be split between Time to Share Bereavement Services, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Whitehaven RUFC and its youth section. The event is due to take place between August 27 - 29.

Lee said: “We want to help out as much as we can. They are fantastic organisations. It’s going to be a mammoth task but the lads have already started training and are showing a commitment to the cause.”

Clothing collection points will also be held at each of the rugby clubs across the county to help boost the fundraising total.

Taking to the saddle will be: Lee Jones, Glynn Thomson, Callum Jennings, Callum Rowlandson, Liam Nicholls, Jamie Martin, Adam Rothery, Marc Shimmin, Callum Tunstall, Travis James, Ben Wallace, Steven McConnell, Nathan Miller, Callum Swindale, Liam Tunstall, Dean Litt, Alan Callander, Ben Stannaway, Ashley Elsley and David Walker.

A support team will be made up of: Jordan Mattinson, Danny Dougherty, Jay Rossi, Phil Southam and Michael Parkinson.

The group is currently looking for a support vehicle to help transport kit and supplies, as well as help with purchasing team cycling jerseys. Donations towards food supplies and cycling spares are also welcome.

Lee thanked Powerbikes in Whitehaven, which has already offered to donate spare parts.

Anyone who can help should email Lee at: leejones0810@yahoo.co.uk.