Ref. 25788-125SWINDON Cares, a week of events to raise thousands of pounds for good causes, is just a month away.

The fundraising spectacular, which runs from July 11 to 16, will open with the White Horse Bike Ride and Treasure Hunt.

Starting from Stanton Park at 10am on July 11, the 25-mile bike ride is set to cover some of England's finest countryside, overlooking the White Horse at Uffington.

Organiser Jacquie Sheppard said: "It's going to be loads of fun it's a fantastic route and riders will be collecting clues along the way.

"Most people can manage 25 miles on a bike and we've had entries from families as well as individuals.

"It will be a great start to the whole week."

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

Entrants who have collected sponsorship will be asked to pay £6 in advance, or £10 if they show up on the day.

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

The entrant who collects the most sponsorship will win a bicycle donated by Halfords. Winners of the treasure hunt can also expect to win prizes.

Other events include a High Sherriff's Concert, a pub quiz, six-a-side football tournament, and speed-dating.

A website has been set up to keep people up-to-date with this year's events: www.swindon-cares.co.uk. You can print off application forms through the official website.

Fore details about the White Horse Bike Ride and Treasure Hunt call Jacquie on 01793 692166. The deadline for regis-tering is July 1.

Programme of events

Last year's fundraising drive raised £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 in turn 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. Here is the programme of events:

Sunday July 11

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

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

Monday July 12

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

Tuesday July 13

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

Wednesday July 14

5pm-8.30pm: Six-a-side football tournament. STFC. Call 0870 4431969.

Thursday July 15

7pm: Speed dating. The Apartment. Call 01793 842600.

Friday July 16

Dress down for work and pay £1.

Andy Tate