TWO brothers are gearing up to mark Father's Day with a charity bike ride in memory of their dad.

Chris Orford, from Bromsgrove, and Mike, a former South Bromsgrove High School pupil who now lives in Milton Keynes, are taking part in the gruelling London to Brighton challenge on Sunday, June 17, for the British Heart Foundation.

The pair will be cycling in memory of their father, Derick, from Harwood Park, who died of a heart attack in October 2003.

"I started cycling last year as a way to get fit, but have really enjoyed it and have been cycling further each week," said 31-year-old Chris.

"When my brother mentioned the ride I thought I could combine my love of cycling with raising cash for a cause close to me.

"We start in Clapham and then cycle down to Brighton. We are hoping it will take about seven hours to complete," he added.

Chris said he and Mike want to raise as much cash as possible to help other families.

The sales manager added: "We lost my dad suddenly and it has left a great hole in all our lives. I miss him terribly, especially around Father's Day, which is why we wanted to do something positive for him this year.

"It is a shame he is not here to see us take part, but I'm sure he would've been proud of us."

Mike, aged 33, added: "Having done the ride before, I know that it is great fun - especially the well-earned paddle in the sea at the finish. It's a brilliant way to do something positive in dad's memory, and I'm really looking forward to Chris joining me on this one." Derick died at the age of 63. He left a wife, Jenny, and four sons Richard, Mike, Chris and Pete. To sponsor the brothers go to www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/chrisorford or www.bhf.org.uk/sponsor/mikeorford