ALMOST 70 riders from Devon and Cornwall Police will pass through Okehampton on a cycle from Exeter to Land's End this weekend to raise money for the charity Little Bleeders.

They will set off in teams from 7.30am, from the Police Headquarters at Middlemoor on Sunday May 29 and hope to arrive in Lands End at around 4pm onwards the same day.

The journey will involve over 130 miles of road, with 10,000 feet of climbing.

Organiser for Devon and Cornwall Police, Sgt Owen Messenger said: ‘The ride has been organised as part of a charity event to raise vital funds for Little Bleeders. We aim to raise over £5,000.’

The ride will see cyclists from Team DCP (Devon and Cornwall Police), Mid Devon Cycling Club, Exeter Wheelers, Environment Agency, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Cycling Association and other local clubs tackle the route.

The youngest rider is Brad Messenger (aged 15), who has been a cycling enthusiast since the age of 11 and rides for Mid Devon Cycling Club.

Little Bleeders is a charity set up in 2015 by professional cyclist and Commonwealth and British Time Trial Champion Alex Dowsett, following being diagnosed with haemophilia. The charity supports young people suffering from the condition.

Alex said: ‘Despite suffering with haemophilia I’ve gone on to achieve success in cycling and I will continue to offer support and guidance to children with haemophilia and their families.  It means a great deal to me that young people with haemophilia are getting the support they need and the cyclists on the DCP Exeter to Lands End ride are very much part of that.’

Sgt Messenger said: ‘I’ve been tremendously impressed with the commitment and hard work the riders have given to getting in shape and fundraising, they should all be hugely proud of themselves.’

Wil Woan, managing director of the Little Bleeders added: ‘It’s massively important that we continue to support young people with haemophilia and their families to lead healthier and physically active lives.’