TOP executives at a Harrogate-based hire company are swapping the boardroom for the great outdoors in a bid to help three charities.

Three chiefs at Vp Plc are taking a break from turning the wheels of industry, to turn the wheels of a bicycle, in a three-day, 180-mile sponsored ride.

Chairman and chief executive, Jeremy Pilkington, finance director Neil Stothard and services managing director John Singleton are aiming to raise £100,000 for St Michael's Hospice, the National Children's Home and Christian Aid.

The trio will start out from St Bees, Cumbria, on July 3, before passing through York and finishing at Flamborough Head Lighthouse on July 5.

Vp plc recently announced a 21 per cent interest in pre-tax profits.The three say they are up for the challenge, and their gruelling route will take them through West Cumbria, Wensleydale, the Vale of York, Hambleton Hills and the East Yorkshire Wolds.

Mr Pilkington said: "As a highly family-orientated business with more than 1,000 staff around the country, we thought it a good idea to celebrate our recent success by raising money for a local, national and an international charity which provide essential support to people at every stage of their lives. We are looking forward to the challenge, which will help us to discover what hard work is like away from our desks."

Anyone that wishes to sponsor the executives in any way should phone Paula Stewart on 01423 533428.

Updated: 11:51 Tuesday, June 24, 2003