A FORMER city Mayor and war hero are among those signed up for a charity cycle ride.

During National Bike Week, cyclists are being asked to take part in the first Greater Brighton Cycle Challenge on Sunday July 1.

Brighton Housing Trust and The Living Coast have joined together to create the event.

Organisers say it aims to show people the natural beauty of The Living Coast while raising money to help homeless people and other good causes at the same time.

Councillor Pete West, former Mayor of Brighton and Hove, will be riding tandem with David Lilburn MBE on the 30-mile Devil’s Dyke Loop ride.

Councillor West is raising funds for Brighton Housing Trust’s First Base Day Centre.

Mr Lilburn’s sponsorship will go to UK Homes For Heroes, a charity raising awareness and supporting homeless ex-forces personnel.

Councillor West said: “I’m very pleased to be taking on this challenge and raising funds for the amazing work that Brighton Housing Trust does.

“They give so much support and advice to rough sleepers and others who find themselves homeless.

“Everyone deserves the right to decent housing.

“I hope we can stay the course and do our bit to help out.”

Kelly Channell from Crawley is riding with friends after enjoying a similar ride last year.

She is one of 2000 “Breeze champions” across the UK who encourage women to cycle.

She said: “More and more women are cycling and the Breeze champions support network is a great way of encouraging them.

“I really recommend giving it a try.”

Anthony Probert from Bioregional, one of The Living Coast partners, is riding the 58-mile Classic route with four friends.

They are raising money for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity’s Trevor Mann appeal after his son Zach was born prematurely last year.

Anthony said: “We will forever be grateful for the work of the Trevor Mann baby unit for the care and support they provided to Zachary (and to us!).

“Without them, he might not be here”

The rides start from Preston Park velodrome, which will host a family-friendly event with entertainment all day.

There is also the opportunity to take part in Brighton Housing Trust’s “Around The World” cycle challenge – riding as many laps of the track as you can manage if road cycling isn’t for you.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/brightonhousingtrust/greaterbrightoncyclechallenge