A YORK cyclist who will be tackling stage one of the Grand Depart just hours before the peloton has been backed by a local firm of solicitors.

Professionals, colleagues and friends of Mike Hughes gathered together at Hotel du Vin, where he received a fundraising boost of £1,000 from Ware & Kay Solicitors.

Mr Hughes, commercial agent with York-based licensed property specialists Sidney Phillips is set to raise a £19,000 as part of the Power Peloton ahead of the Tour de France.

The Power Peloton will see a hand-picked team of 25 cyclists take on the roads of Stage One, just hours before sporting legends such as Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish tackle the same roads.

Each of the 25 have pledged to raise £19,000, enough to fund a nurse for a year for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Ware & Kay Solicitors, based in York & Wetherby are sponsoring Mr Hughes and the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity.

Senior partner Peter Kay said: “This is a fantastic challenge Mike has taken on and we are extremely proud and delighted to support him in what is definitely a worthy cause."

Mr Hughes said: “The support of local business is crucial when raising money to help the community. Ware & Kay have shown support for my fundraising for Marie Curie right from the start.

"The Marie Curie Power Peloton is going to be the toughest challenge that I have ever set myself. The help that Peter and the team at Ware & Kay have given me has been terrific."