A HUGE fund-raiser with a £20,000 target is being planned for next summer by members and supporters of the Forest of Dean branch of the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The centrepiece of the massive effort being spearheaded by branch chairman Rob Harries and his wife Margaret, will be a 50 mile around-the-Forest bike ride.

Mr and Mrs Harries, who live at Parkend Road, Bream, lost their son Gavin to a rare cancer in 1991. He was aged 13.

Having founded the local branch of CLIC Sargent, one of their first money-making ventures was a 50 mile cycle ride. Next year's epic, to be held on July 20, will be a re-run of the event and will mark 20 years since the last ride.

"Already we have had lots of interest. We are hoping for a massive entry for the 50 mile course. Running alongside the main event there will be rides for children and families so it should be a great day," said Mr Harries.

A meeting is to be held next month to plan other events to run alongside the cycle ride.

Mr Harries said the 50 miler would start from Bream Rugby Club which would then be at the hub of a day long programme of fund-raising activities. He said events were also being planned in other parts of the Forest including a cricket match between The Feathers, Coleford and Monmouth.

Organisers are now planning a website.

•Anyone who would like to support CLIC by taking part in the sponsored ride can obtain information from Mr Harries on Dean 564516 or write to Mr Harries at Dragon's Lair, 51, Parkend Road, Bream GL15 5JZ.