HAMPSHIRE coppers are ditching their uniforms for lycra as they embark on a gruelling cross-channel cycling challenge in a bid to help Pudsey raise thousands for vulnerable children.

Officers from across the county are preparing for the mammoth 123-mile pedal from France to Hampshire in aid of Children In Need on Friday.

Police from Winchester, Basingstoke and Alton will be braving the whole challenge, with Chief Constable Andy Marsh and other colleagues joining them along the way to help keep spirits high.

The team will head to Alecon, in France on Thursday, where they will cycle the 75 miles to the port of Caen and board a ferry to Portsmouth.

Then on Friday they will take on the final 48 miles to Basingstoke police station in relay pairs, snaking through Southampton and Winchester, where they hope crowds will cheer them on along the way.

Detective Constable Rod Kenny, one of the organisers, said: “We've put lots of hard work into our training and just want to get out and do it now. We're doing this all in our own time and for a really great cause.“We'd love to raise as much money as possible through this event and would encourage people to come out and support us on the day. We'll be running through a big chunk of Hampshire, so please come out and give us a wave.”

The team will be going through the centre of Fareham at around 8.45am, through Southampton city centre at around 10.45am and hope to reach Winchester around 12.30pm.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/basingstokecops.