FOUR hoteliers from the New Forest are using pedal power in a cross-Channel trip to raise charity funds.

The 270-mile journey from the Innholders’ Hall in London to the French city of Reims is being staged in aid of the Worshipful Company of Innholders, which supports a wide range of charities across the country.

A total of 16 cyclists from across the UK are taking part in the three-day event, which starts on September 11.

The Hampshire quartet jumping into the saddle comprise Andrew Stembridge, managing director of the Chewton Glen in New Milton, Jorge Gertrudes, hotel director at The Pig in Brockenhurst, Kenneth Speirs, general manager at Limewood in Lyndhurst, and James Hiley-Jones, operations director at Careys Manor in Brockenhurst and the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu.

They prepared for the event by taking part in a 70-mile training ride on the Isle of Wight.