CYCLING coach David Morton is gearing up for the second annual Jo Cox Way bike ride in memory of the murdered MP which sets off next week.

But the director of Cycling Development North East will be riding the gruelling five-day 258-mile journey from the Batley and Spen constituency to the Houses of Parliament in some style using a former Royal Mail postal bike, with the basket filled with soft toys.

He is among 30 cyclists who will leave Princess Mary Stadium in Liversedge on Wednesday, July 26, and arrive at Westminster four days later. Others will join the team of riders for single days to show their support.

The idea came to Mr Morton and Jo Cox Way founder Sarfraz Mian when they came across the organisation Elephant Bike, which helps recondition postal bikes and for every one sold they send another to the African country of Malawi.

“It means that Malawians can travel to work and school, and transport goods, and often creates an income for life,” said Mr Morton. “I must be mad to cycle so far on a bike with only three gears – the first two days through Yorkshire and the Peak District will be really gruelling – but Sarfraz is very persuasive! I don’t know what I’ve let myself in for.”

Donations to support their efforts will be passed to The Jo Cox Foundation to fund their work supporting local communities. Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/thejocoxway.