SADDLE UP: Ten employees from Alton Towers are hoping to raise more than £8,000 for charity by taking part in a sponsored cycle ride from the theme park to Paris.

They will be donating the cash to Merlin's Magic Wand, a worldwide charity which provides "memorable experiences" for seriously ill or disabled children.

Staff will be setting out on the 816-mile challenge on April 16 and are scheduled to arrive at the Eiffel Tower 10 days later.

Restaurant worker Pepe Zicari, aged 27, of Ashbourne, pictured above, said: "Our target is £8,160, which we hope to achieve by people sponsoring us a penny per mile.

"We have started training, but it's difficult with the snow.

"We will be riding about 90 miles a day. None of us ride bikes so it is going to be a slog. Hopefully, we will be able to achieve our target."

Pictured left are other members of the team.

Pictures: Cara Edgington