FUNDRAISING riders have set off on a three-day cycle challenge to Paris on today (June 8).

A team of 37 cyclists from Bayer Newbury have so far raised more than £12,000 for Naomi House and Jacksplace.

They will arrive in Portsmouth this evening and catch the overnight ferry to Caen, before making their way through northern France to Paris as part of a 240-mile journey.

Sara Bartlett from Bayer said: "It was very cold, windy and overcast but it did not cool anyone’s enthusiasm for the task ahead.

"There were 37 very nervous but excited cyclists setting off, waved off by a crowd of Bayer colleagues.

"The cyclists called in at Naomi House and Jacksplace this morning, on their way down to Portsmouth.

"They are making their way south in rather damp weather and estimate they will reach Portsmouth around 4.30 to 5pm ready for the overnight ferry journey to Caen."

Tomorrow will see the team travel from Caen to Evreux.

Visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Country-Platform to donate to the online fundraising page.