STAFF from the Co-operative food store in Hatherleigh are getting on their bikes later this month for a fundraising event with a difference.

The staff members are saddling up for a Le Mans-style 24-hour cycling  extravaganza at the Thruxton Race Circuit near Andover, over the weekend of July 18 and 19.

Hundreds of Co-operative staff from throughout the South West will descend upon the Thruxton Circuit, with each participant cycling for two hours of the 24-hour challenge.

The teams will each be made up of 12 staff members and they hope to raise around £40,000 for RNID, which helps people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

They will be joined by friends, family and supporters, many of whom will camp out and enjoy the many festivities on offer, including a live band, barbecue and DJ on the Saturday evening, followed by a family fun day on the Sunday, which will be open to the public.  

To sponsor your local Co-operative staff or buy a £1 raffle ticket, simply pop in to the Hatherleigh Co-operative at 24 Bridge Street.