Rotary-Congleton will have two teams riding in its Bikeathon event to raise money on Saturday (June 26th).

Mayor of Congleton, Cllr Denis Murphy is expected to launch the cycling event on Saturday morning when the first team of 'Rustic Rotarians' will be riding static bikes in the town centre from 10.30am until 2.30pm. They will be supported by cyclists from the local U3A.

At the same time, another team will be riding outside the Tesco store in Barn Road, where the Rotarians will be supported by members of Tesco's staff. Cllr Murphy is expected to make a visit to Tesco's at around 11.30am.

Online sponsorship for the event attracts Gift Aid and has raised over £3,100 so far. Other teams will be collecting money during the event, so it is hoped that the final total will be higher.

"This is the first year that we have run the Bikeathon" Rotary press officer, John Gauld told us.

"The event replaces the annual Rotary Swimathon, which had to be cancelled due to the virus – and cannot now take place due to closure of the Congleton Leisure Centre."

The club hopes that townsfolk will turn out and support the money-raising event. Money raised by teams entering the Bikeathon will be divided between charities that they nominate and Rotary, where funds will be used to support local deserving causes.

Jim Elkin, who has nominated Congleton Youth Orchestra as his charity, is leading the money-raising with a spectacular £970 raised as of today (June 24th) on his 350-mile ride-along the Pennine Way.