INTREPID cyclists set off on a challenge across Ireland today to support the Mayor of Halton’s charity fund.

Mayoress Ros Wong will be joining 22 cyclists to ride 140 miles from Dublin to Galway.

The group is raising money for the Let’s Go stroke club and Child Bereavement UK, the two charities chosen by Mayor Cllr Ged Philbin during his year of office.

Parklands Sports Club in Widnes has teamed up with Chapel House Cycling Club from Penketh to mount the venture.

The cyclists are riding for fun and have already raised more than £47,000 for charities.

The fundraisers have set a target of £10,000 for their Irish challenge.

The Mayor Cllr Philbin said: “With your help and support these very deserving causes will greatly benefit from the money raised from this event.

“Please give your support by donating what you can no matter how big or small as every little helps and is very much appreciated.”

The cyclists plan to ride from the east coast of Dublin to the west coast of Galway - 140 miles in two days.

The route will take them through Milltownpass, Tyrrellspass, Moate, Athlone, Loughrea, Craughwell, Oranmore towards the Atlantic coast and Galway City.

After their first day in the saddle they will spend the evening in Moate to enjoy a few pints of well-earned Guinness and experience the 'craic' with the locals.

After a good night’s rest they continue on Saturday to cover the final 70 miles to Galway's 19th century Eyre Square.

There is an added poignancy to this ride as Child Bereavement UK has helped a Parklands customer whose daughter, mother and brother died within six weeks of each other in 2015.

To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/mayorofhalton