A SCENIC challenge for avid cyclists is hoping to bring the community together and raise much-needed funds for Lethbridge Primary School.

Parents and the school's PTA The Friends of Lethbridge are organising the Hydra Ride this June.

The challenge, which follows in the footsteps of the popular Lethbridge 10k, attracts riders of all abilities, with 27, 39, and a 54-mile routes.

Parent and keen cyclist James Nethercott hopes the ride will become a regular fixture on the sporting calendar as well as support the school financially.

"We want an event which stands up by itself, so people can pay to enter a really high quality ride, which goes beyond just giving back to the school," he said.

"We want to create routes which are nice to do - there is some really lovely countryside, within five or ten minutes you're in completely open space. I think we're really lucky, particularly south and east of Swindon."

Ria Walega, chair of the Friends of Lethbridge Primary School, told the Adver the money could help re-mark the playground to start a Daily Mile challenge for pupils.

"With the success of the 10k we thought it would be great to do something sporty that might encourage participation with the school.

"We're hoping we can create this to provide funds but also create a community event as well. James wanted to bring the two things together and it all fell into place.

"All money will be ploughed straight back into the school to help fund it. Every penny helps as the budgets are being cut."

James added: "I know a lot of people who teach at other schools and a trip to Ikea or stationary shops at the beginning of term to buy what are fairly basic items is fairly standard.

"And they're paying for it out of their own pockets so they can provide their class with good resources."

Registration will start from 8am on June 30 on Sunday. Wood Street will also be closed for the day.

For more details go to www.thehydraride.co.uk