Police officers more used to patrolling the borough's parks will be setting out on the open road when they ride to Brighton for charity.

Members of Enfield’s safer parks team at Enfield Police station in Silver Street, have taken up the challenge of cycling from London to Brighton in aid of the Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance service.

The service, run by Barry and June Smitherman, provides help for animals across Enfield and Hertfordshire and is entirely dependent on donations.

Hazel Edgar, one of the five officers making the journey, said: “The Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance service is quite close to our heart. Anyone can take their animals up their 24 hours a day, all year round and they will help.

“We deal with them all the time and they are the only one in North London, they are called out and do so much stuff just the two of them which is fantastic.

The team, who will also be riding for Brain Tumour Research, will saddle up on Saturday, June 15 and have so far raised £445, with a target of £500.

Ms Edgar added: “The team came together two months ago and everyone is really up for it. We all think it’s a great idea. I am about halfway there; I have done about 30 miles so training is in progress.”