Ref. 25706-23SWINDON CARES: Cyclists are limbering up for a 25-mile sponsored bike ride covering some of England's finest countryside the opening event of Swindon Cares week.

The White Horse Bike Ride and treasure hunt is just 10 days away and organisers are urging people to help the fund-raising for good causes.

The bike ride starts from Stanton Park at 10am on July 11, and parts of it will overlook Uffington White Horse.

Entrants are being asked to pay £6 in advance, or £10 if they show up on the day.

The fee includes a T-shirt, and refreshments will be available along the route.

The deadline for advance entries is Monday, July 5, and the entrant who collects the most sponsorship will win a bicycle donated by Halfords.

Winners of the treasure hunt can also expect prizes.

The organiser Jacquie Sheppard said: "Time is running out for people to register in advance, although they can still turn up on the day.

"If you can't get along to the bike ride then there are still plenty of other opportunities to take part in Swindon Cares Week.

"If all else fails dress down day is Friday July 16, when anyone can dress down at work, at home or in the pub, and raise money for Swindon Cares."

As part of last year's Swin-don Cares, a cycle tour of Arkell's pubs raised about £2,000 and organisers are hoping to raise more this year.

For details on the bike ride and treasure hunt call Jacquie on 01793 692166.

Swindon Cares runs from July 11 to 16. Last year's fundraising drive brought in £15,000 £5,000 more than the original target.

The money was donated to Age Concern, Macmillan Cancer Relief and NSPCC Swindon.

This year the target is £30,000 and the money raised will go to the same three charities, plus the GWR Community Trust, which will distribute its share among a wide range of local charities.

Once again, Nationwide, Zurich, GWR Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, the Swindon Chamber, BBC Radio Swindon and the Evening Advertiser are backing the initiative.

For details of events go to: www.swindoncares.co.uk.

Programme of events

July 11, 10am: White Horse Bike Ride and Treasure Hunt. Stanton Park. Call 01793 692166.

July 11, 7pm: High Sheriff's Concert. Christ Church, Old Town. Swindon Pegasus Brass Band with soprano Lynn Hawkins. Call 01793 692903

July 12, 7pm: Pub quiz final. Moonrakers pub. Call 01793 823026

July 13, 7pm: Company pub quiz final. Swindon Town Football Club. Call 01793 502450

July 14 5pm-8.30pm: Six-a-side football tournament. Swindon Town Football Club. Call 0870 4431969.

July 15, 7pm: Speed dating. The Apartment. Call 01793 842600

July 16: Dress down for work day and pay £1.