A group of bus drivers will swap four wheels for two as part of a charity fund-raiser.

The 15-strong team, who all work for Stagecoach, will cycle from Whitehaven to Blackpool on Sunday.

And the cyclists will aim to complete the 120-mile route in a day for the Great North Air Ambulance.

Workington driver Alan Straughton, event organiser, said: "There's a government scheme where you can buy bikes to go to work and then we said 'why not do it for charity?'

"Living in the Lake District, we see air ambulances all the time and as we've seen it's not just the Lake District that needs them. It's a fantastic cause."

The group have called themselves the Stagecoach Megariders after the weekly tickets that the company offers to passengers.

They are aiming to raise thousands of pounds and have held an entertainment night and spent a day on an exercise bike in Workington bus station to help boost funds.

Preparations for the ride have already started and the drivers have been getting out on their bikes at the weekends.

The riders taking part are Grant Ritson, Paul McGarry, Tony Pullin, Nathan Bragg, Peter Nowak, Tony Shimmings, Dave Heslop, David Potter, Barbara Lambert, Dave Pullin, Andrew Melville, Gary McKenzie, Shaun Pattinson, James Croft and Gary Moore.

They will be supported by Alan Straughton, Gary Preston and medic Phill Radcliffe.

Paul McGarry said: "Cycling makes us appreciate where we live and get out and about more. 

"The health benefits are great, you lose weight and you feel more fresh. As a bus driver you just sit there all day."

Four helpers will also travel down with them, including a first aid expert.