Home care assistant Audrey Sands is using pedal power to help coin in cash for Manorlands hospice.

She is taking part in a sponsored bike ride this weekend to raise money for the Oxenhope care home, where her late mother was cared for last year. And the 42-year-old grandmother has even been cycling to and from work -- at the Holme Wood resource centre, Fell Lane -- in her uniform, as part of her training regime.

Audrey (pictured) of Wheathead Lane, Keighley, is among over 20 family members and friends tackling Sunday's event. Riders can choose from one of three routes according to their age and ability, all finishing at York racecourse. It is hoped the venture -- which is being organised by Audrey's brother John Blackburn and his wife Susan -- could raise more than £2,000 for the Sue Ryder Care Centre.

Audrey, who has opted for a 22-mile route starting at Harewood House, said: "My mum -- who died on Boxing Day -- spent her final weeks at Manorlands and we wanted to do something to show our gratitude for the wonderful care she received at the home.

"My brother does quite a bit of cycling so he and his wife are doing all the organising -- I'm going around trying to get money! The support from local businesses has been very good.

"I have not done much cycling before, indeed I don't even have my own bike -- I'm using my daughter's! I am getting in what training I can, including cycling to and from work and some at night. It's going up hills that I have the problems with!" Anyone wishing to support the bike ride is asked to contact 01274 403808.