28341A GROUP of west Wiltshire workers have been told to get on their bikes next week to raise funds for Dorothy House.

Five members of the public have been sponsored to ride to and from work in the first of a number of events organised to mark National Bike Week.

The TravelWise team from Wiltshire County Council, who have organised the event, are hoping the celebrations will help persuade people to lead a healthier life.

TravelWise manager Bill Prendergast said: "The bike week is all about getting people out and about on their bikes to cycle to work, school, to go to the shops or just for fun.

"Cycling is all about the three 'Fs', fun, fitness and freedom and so we especially want as many people as possible to get on their bikes this week.

"If you work nearby it is a better option to cycle. It costs you nothing and you don't have the hassle of being stuck in traffic."

The five people who have been selected for the first challenge will be presented with their bikes on Saturday morning in The Shires shopping centre, Trowbridge. There will then be a convoy of cyclists round Trow-bridge, where anyone is welcome, leaving Chicago Rock at 11.45am.

To ensure the five cyclists keep their end of the bargain they will be monitored by mobile phones every day and if they complete the week they will be allowed to keep the bike.

Ceri Burrell, 32, manager of Chicago Rock in Trowbridge, will cycle a five-mile round trip to work every day and has already raised £150 for Dorothy House.

She said: "It is for a good cause so I said I would do it. At the end of the week I am going to auction off the bike to raise more money."

For Nick Trinby, 41, the cycle challenge has added significance because he is doing it in memory of his sister, Anne Scott, who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

Mr Trinby, who will be cycling a couple of miles a day to Kingdown School, in Warminster, said: "I know what the people at Dorothy House are like and how good they are so I wanted to help them."

The other three who will be taking part are Colin White, Jacqui Winner, who will be cycling from Green Lane, Trowbridge, to Ransom Sunblinds in Westbury, and Bronte Roberts, who will cycle from Warminster to Prestbury Road.

For more information contact the TravelWise team on (01225) 713388 or email cycling@wiltshire.gov.uk.