AN INTREPID cyclist is hard at work preparing for a 250-mile charity ride in Costa Rica.

Elizabeth Loy, 69, of Fairfax Gardens, Menston, is already training for the trek next February - and raising money for the trip.

Mrs Loy, a former head of biology at Prince Henry's Grammar School Otley, only took up cycling three years ago, when she and her late husband began going on regular rides along a track between Wetherby and Spofforth.

She and husband Brian, a retired lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, went on to complete a 1,171-mile trek from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of the British Executive Service Overseas.

They were sent a personal message of congratulations by Princess Anne, the patron of BESO, when they completed the ride.

After Mr Loy died last June, Mrs Loy decided to keep on cycling for charity, and signed up for the Costa Rica ride, which will raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society.

She said: "I found an advert about the Costa Rica ride through the post, and at about the same time I unexpectedly got a cheque for almost £100. You need £100 to register for the ride, and I thought this is my husband up in heaven saying 'go on and do it'."

She set herself the target of raising £3,000 for the trek, which will go to the National Deaf Children's Society.

Mrs Loy has been going out on bike rides around the valley in training for the Central American ride, and will slowly build up her mileage to take on the 250-mile challenge next year.

She is no stranger to travelling around the world - she and Mr Loy carried out work for the BESO in Swaziland and Cameroon.

She is holding a fundraising luncheon party and flower demonstration at Menston Methodist Church on May 3. The event will take place at noon, and tickets cost £8.

Anyone who would like to help Mrs Loy's fundraising efforts can contact her on (01943) 873090.