Some would say anyone attempting to cycle 105 miles up and down some of the steepest hills in the South is either brave or foolish.

But it seems there are quite a few who fit the bill because that is exactly what 200 people intend to do next weekend.

The intrepid riders will spend three days pedalling their way across the countryside as part of the annual The Argus Appeal South Downs Way Challenge.

It is the appeal's main fund-raiser, each year generating tens of thousands of pounds for needy people across Sussex.

Half of the participants will start at Beachy Head in Eastbourne and head west towards Winchester and half will travel in the opposite direction.

Overnight stops will be made at Brighton and Midhurst rugby clubs.

Last year the challenge raised a staggering £34,000.

Appeal co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "It would be fantastic if we could break our record this year. Every penny of the money goes to people who really need it."

Mrs Gillio said the challenge had been so successful over the years that a Brighton to Paris bike ride had been organised to take place next July.

She said: "This is our third year and the event just goes from strength to strength."

Mark Buckle, 44, has always been a strong supporter of The Argus Appeal but had never ridden a bike seriously before 2003.

When the cycle challenge came up, scepticism among his family and friends made him determined to try.

He went on to become the champion fund-raiser of the race two years running, making more than £3,000 for the appeal.

Mr Buckle, of Ainsworth Avenue, Ovingdean, said: "The reason I made so much is because no one thought I could do it.

"It is an extremely tough ride but I go in a team of three or four and we all spur each other on and get through it together.

"There's a lot of camaraderie among the riders because so many of us are first-time cyclists."