TEIGNMOUTH fundraisers are gearing up for a 350-mile charity cycle ride for the blind.

Former police sergeant Mike Slade, and his wife, Linda, who is partially sighted and registered blind, have organised the pedal push.

Teignmouth couple Alan and Judy Colley will provide support in a back-up vehicle.

The ride starts at Teignmouth's Cliffden Hotel, an Action for the Blind holiday centre, on Saturday, March 25, at 9.30am and will end at 4.30pm on Friday, March 31, back at the hotel, in Dawlish Road.

The finish will coincide with a blindfolded and sponsored walk along Teignmouth sea wall by Teignmouth mayor, Cllr Geoff Bladon, and his wife, Linda, the mayoress.

They are also looking for volunteers to join them on the sponsored blindfolded walk.

Cllr Bladon has chosen Action for Blind People as this year's mayoral charity.

He said: 'We are trying to raise money to help fund the running costs of the Cliffden Hotel, which, in addition to all the good works it does with Blind People, Guide Dogs etc, also provides holidays locally and nationally for blind and partially sighted people, their family and friends.

Mr and Mrs Slade are doing the seven-day ride on their tandem and will pass through Torrington on Sunday, March 26; Combe Martin on Monday, March 27; Minehead on Tuesday, March 28; Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday, March 29; Tiverton on Thursday, March 30, back to Teignmouth on Friday, March 31.

They plan to ride about 50 miles a day and training is going well. 'It is going to be a tough challenge and training in this weather has been less than ideal.

'But we are going to have fun along the way, as well as raising money for a charity that is close to our hearts,' he said.

On the Friday evening, Cllr Bladon and wife, Linda, will host a charity gala dinner and reception in aid of Action for Blind People at the Cliffden Hotel.

It will feature a cabaret appearance by vocalist Ben Yates. Tickets are available for this event at £20. Call 07889 825399 or 01626 775030.

To sponsor the event, call Mike and Linda Slade on 01626 775288 or 07765 407577.