OKEHAMPTON has been put on the fundraising map thanks to the Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish rugby, which has identified the town as a key point along the route of the Wooden Spoon End to End Challenge. The event is one of several major fundraising initiatives — the Spoon Challenges — the charity is staging to celebrate its silver jubilee this year. Over eight days, between August 23 and 30, 30 cyclists will saddle up for the 882 mile ride from John O'Groats to Land's End, each bidding to raise £2,500 for mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged children, young people and their families. Spoon Challenge's marketing manager Pam Schreier said: 'The End 2 End Challenge is attracting people from all over the country and all walks of life. 'We've had a tremendous response, which is especially satisfying in Wooden Spoon's 25th anniversary year, but there are still a few places left for anyone who thinks they are up to the challenge!' For details on all the Spoon Challenges, which include the London Marathon, the Four Peaks Challenge — in which participants climb four of the highest mountains in Britain and Ireland in 48 hours — and the Great Lakeland Challenge, a team triathlon involving canoeing, cycling and running, are available at http://www.spoonchallenges.com">www.spoonchallenges.com Anyone who would like to take part in a Spoon Challenge should call 01889 582889 or email [email protected]">[email protected]