A KEEN cyclist is organising a canalside bike ride to raise funds for a charity that supports people with eating disorders.

Anthony Aldridge hopes to raise around £500 for BEAT, a charity that is close to his heart as his wife is currently battling bulimia.

He is now hoping to recruit other cyclists to take part in the 40 mile route, which will set off from Dudley Canal Trust at 9.30am on October 1.

The 29-year-old, who volunteers at the Birmingham New Road tourist attraction, said: "I want as many people to join in as possible, I've got insurance for 250 people but I can take that up if necessary. The route involves no roads, it's all along the canal. We'll head to Stourbridge, past Wombourne, up to Wolverhampton and then come back through Bilston and Coseley and finish back where we started.

"We'll be stopping off at some pubs along the way, where I'll have collection tins to collect so we should finish by around 5pm."

He continued: "I enjoy riding and I love the canals so I thought I'd combine them both to raise some money."

Anyone who would like to take part in the bike ride should contact Anthony by emailing ainsull@yahoo.co.uk or calling 07821108690.

To sponsor Mr Aldridge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Anthony-Aldridge.