CYCLISTS are being urged to saddle-up for a groundbreaking fundraising challenge in aid of Manorlands.

The Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice is staging its first Midnight or Bust initiative this Saturday.

Participants can set off from the Keighley Road site at 8pm or 10pm and are challenged to pedal as far as possible, but must be back before the clock strikes midnight.

The event is being dedicated to the memory of Keighley bike enthusiast Frank O'Dwyer, who died earlier this year.

He, together with Manorlands fundraiser Andrew Wood, developed the concept.

Mr O'Dwyer's widow, Mary, will set off the riders.

"The whole family will be helping out big-style at the event," said Mr Wood.

"Entries have been open for a little while but people can turn up on the night and take part.

"Participants should arrive half an hour before the start time of their respective ride."

He added: "We're very excited about the new concept.

"Riders will have to take various things into account when deciding how far they dare go – not just how they feel physically, but such as the wind conditions and whether those will be favourable or against them on the return.

"And team entrants will have to ride together, so will need to also consider their colleagues."

Riders will place a cable-tie marker before beginning their homeward journey.

Top cyclist Tom Moses, of Oakworth, tackled a 'dummy run' earlier this year and was full of praise for the venture.

"It's a great format and for a fantastic cause," he said.

"The good thing about the challenge is that it's suitable for cyclists of all abilities, because you can gear it to yourself and choose to go at whatever pace suits you. You don't have to reach a specific destination."

On his run, Mr Moses reached Kidstones Pass – the Cote de Cray climb during stage one of last year's Tour de France – near Buckden.

He arrived back at Manorlands with less than two minutes to spare.

Entry to the event costs £15 for individuals or £50 for a team of four.

Visit sueryder.org/midnightorbust for more details.

Manorlands this year has to find an extra £200,000 to meet its running costs.

The hospice faces a £2.9 million bill – up more than seven per cent on 2014 – to continue providing its specialist care services.

And only a fraction of the cost will be covered by statutory funds.

Bosses need to find more than £1.6m in voluntary income to ensure the hospice’s doors remain open.