AFTER nearly a year of training, pupils and staff from a village school are gearing up for charity cycle ride to Paris.

The team from Lavington School, near Devizes, will leaving the village on August 1 and arrive in the French capital three days later.

They have been fundraising since September and the latest boost to their coffers came last week when Lavington Athletic's Club presented assistant head Lisa Adams with £500.

Chairman Richard Gamble and head coach Deborah Bray said they were keen to support the cycle challenge by paying for kit and any other equipment the cyclists might need to help them.

Over the winter, the club had provided fitness and conditioning sessions for pupils and staff taking part in the ride.

Money was also raised for the group by a fete last Tuesday organised by Year 10 pupils.

A total of 38 riders made up of pupils, staff, parents and former students will take part in the ride in support of Bag4Sport Foundation.