A HEART attack survivor from Pudsey will lead a team of ten people aiming to cycle 200 miles on static bikes to raise money for charity at the town's carnival later this month.

Ken Downing, 70, of Priestley Close, acts as a lead volunteer for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), and is hoping pedal power will generate significant funds for the charity on Saturday, May 16.

His team is hoping to cycle the equivalent distance from Pudsey to Paddington railway stations in six hours, benefitting a cause he has supported since suffering a heart attack at the age of 65 in September 2010.

"I remember it vividly, it was such a massive shock," he said.

"I vowed to change my lifestyle, and since then I've changed my diet and lost weight.

"As part of my recovery, I joined the Heart Watch scheme at Pudsey Leisure Centre, which led to me getting off the exercise bike and back on an actual bike."

Despite enjoying cycling as a child, Mr Downing, a retired gas engineer, gave the pursuit up in adulthood, only re-discovering his love of the activity during his recovery.

He said he now regularly cycles around 100 miles a week during the winter months, rising to around 300 miles a week in summer, setting him in good stead for his latest charity challenge.

"Pudsey is linked to a famous bear, as is Paddington, so we have decided to call the event the Pudsey to Paddington bear dash," he explained.

"We have a Pudsey bear costume, but we are still looking to put together a Paddington bear one, so any donations would be most welcome!

"Raising money for the British Heart Foundation was always an obvious choice, as I'm lead volunteer for the Pudsey group."

The team will ride in shifts to complete the gruelling distance, supported by volunteers running a BHF pop-up shop.

Pudsey Carnival Committee has agreed to make BHF its chosen charity of the year, and the law firm Pudsey Legal has also got behind the challenge by sponsoring the team.

"I'm very grateful to Pudsey Legal for their support, and also extremely pleased the committee has decided to support us," said Mr Downing.

"Hopefully we can complete the 200 miles and raise as much as we can for a great cause."

Mr Downing will continue his fundraising by taking part in the Leeds Heart Walk in Roundhay Park on Saturday, June 13.

Guests can register for that event by visiting www.bhf.org.uk/leedsheartwalk.