CYCLISTS of all shapes and sizes are expected to pedal their way through rural south Bucks as part of a national charity bike ride.

The British Heart Foundation event will weave its way from Oxford through The Chilterns before ending up in the city of bicycles Cambridge.

Among those taking part in the ride is GMTVs chief correspondent Alan Fisher, whose five-year-old son was recently diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

He told the Star: "The ride will be much further than I have ever cycled in the past.

"My son Scott was recently diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis, which is when the valve pumping blood away from the heart is slightly thicker than normal and doesn't work properly.

"Scott is very healthy at the moment but in the future he will need open heart surgery. That's why I'm keen to raise money for the BHF to help support its vital research and work into fighting heart disease."

Alan will officially open the event at 8am on October 3, and then join thousands of enthusiasts for the ride.

David Mann, regional director of the BHF, added: "Everyone's welcome to join the ride, so please do register to take part in our first ever Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride. It promises to be a great event."

Those wishing to take part can visit bhf.org.uk/oxcambike or free phone 0800 3899750