MAINDEE firefighters using pedal power for our Sparkle Appeal have started to raise funds for their sponsored cycle.

The group of 10 firefighters are preparing to cycle 850 miles, from Santander in Northern Spain to Gibraltar in September.

This year 20 per cent of the money they raise will go to our Sparkle Appeal to raise £250,000 for a disabled children's centre at High Cross, with the rest going to the Fire Service Benevolent Fund.

Now, with only six months left to go before the ride, the firefighters are taking to the streets of South Wales to raise money and get support. Daryl Treharne, one of the firefighters taking part, said they hoped to raise £10,000.

"That is our goal and we will be out asking people to support us," he said. "It is going to be a lot of fun but a lot of hard work as well. Our shortest day is going to be a 90-mile ride.

"We are currently just building up doing more and more miles each week."

He said they had raised money for local charities during previous sponsored cycles but this year wanted to support the Argus Sparkle Appeal and help 1,200 disabled children in Torfaen, Newport and south Monmouthshire by raising money to build a new children's centre.

l The Maindee firefighters also have special T-shirts to support them. The T-shirts are dark blue and say 'I support the FSBF and Sparkle Argus Appeal' and cost £10. If you want to order a T-shirt or support the firefighters call 01633 275830.