Youngsters get on their bike for charity

Adam Rotchell, Lewis Richards and Alex Yorke, all 16, will each pedal for the equivalent of just over 40 miles at the Nuffield gym in Telford today to raise money for Hope House Children's Hospice in Morda, near Oswestry, and the Hillbrae Rescue Kennels in Telford.

They are part of a 13-strong group of 16-year-olds who are taking part in the National Citizen Service scheme based at Donnington, Telford.

The trio will cycle a total of 122.3 miles representing the distance from the former Worcestershire all-rounder's birthplace at Heswall, on the Wirral, to Durham County Cricket Club where he he finished his cricketing career.

Their effort coincides with the 31st anniversary of Botham breaking the all-time test wicket record against New Zealand at the Oval. The youngsters said the former cricketer's fundraising effort had left a big mark on them.

Adam said: "He is the king of fundraising and has raised so many millions for leukaemia research over the years, since well before I was born.

"I was never lucky enough to see him play but he's my favourite cricketer by a mile, an absolute legend. I've watched so many of his clips on YouTube."

Alex added: "We wanted to do this bike challenge in Beefy's honour, although it will be gruelling as none of us have cycled more than just a few miles before. We aim to start early and just go steady throughout the day."

Lewis said: "We will ride our socks off for our chosen charities, both of which do amazing work in the community."

The National Citizen's Service is a government-backed scheme which encourages young people to do work in the community.

Members of the Donnington group will also be doing dog walking and gardening at Hilbrae.

They will take part in a sponsored walk up the Wrekin tomorrow, followed by a coffee morning at the Donnington Lifelong Learning Centre on Wednesday morning.

They have also lined up a quiz evening at The Lamb, Wrockwardine Wood for Wednesday, and will wrap up their fundraising effort with a day where they perform random acts of kindness around Telford town centre on Friday.

The gym has supported the youngsters by giving them free use of the exercise bike.

Receptionist Fliss Hall said: "It's great to see young people focused on putting something back into their communities and the gym are only too pleased to lend them our facilities."