Vital funds will be raised to support the work of BEN, as staff from the UK's largest manufacturer of aftermarket catalytic converters based in Hilton take to their bikes.

From Wednesday 17th August, EEC staff will be attempting to cycle between their manufacturing bases in Hilton (Derbyshire) and Denmead (Hampshire), a distance of over 170 miles.

The challenge is forecast to take around two days of continuous cycling, using the National Cycle Network to meander from the Midlands down to the South Coast.

The bike ride will be completed by Duncan Richards (Sales Director), Paul Newby (Continual Improvement Co-ordinator), Andy Wilding (Financial Controller) and Andy's daughter Stephanie Davies. Extra bikes have also been kindly supplied by EEC customer Godfrey Autoparts / A1 Motorstore.

Duncan Richards, Sales Director, EEC, says: "As keen cyclists, we're ready to take on this challenge and wish to raise as much money as possible for our own industry charity."

"Although we've driven between our sites hundreds of times, this will be much tougher than battling the commuter traffic! We've been practising hard, and encourage everyone to make a donation."

Regular pictures and updates from the team will be posted on the EEC Facebook wall (www.facebook.com/eurocats) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/eec_cat) throughout the ride, and showing the training towards it.

For more information or to donate to the charity bike ride, please see www.eurocats.co.uk or call +44 (0) 23 9224 5300.