A CHARITY which cares for terminally ill young people and their families has launched its first cycle sportive to take place in Bradford.

The Big Dipper event organised in aid of Martin House Hospice starts at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College on April 29 and offers three routes to the west of the city through Queensbury.

A third of the children who benefit from the hospice's care are from across the Bradford district and Chris Verney, community fundraiser, said the charity aims to raise £20,000 from the sportive - which is the cost of keeping the hospice running for just one day.

He said: "We hope it will be really good for the city, there's a real appetite for cycling here in Bradford."

Declan Hayes, director at sponsors AWB Charlesworth, said: "We are delighted to be involved. I used to be a triathlete and was injured but I will be getting my bike and attempting to complete the 64 mile route."

To sign up visit martinhouse.org.uk.