STAFF at level measurement manufacturer Hycontrol are getting on their bikes to raised money for charity in memory of a former colleague.

A team from the Redditch-based company are cycling 35 miles from the firm's offices to Malvern and then hiking across the hills to honour popular sales representative Chris Reece, who died suddenly from heart problems while on holiday last summer. Proceeds will go to the British Heart Foundation.

Hycontrol managing director Nigel Allen said: “Chris was very healthy and active, and always liked a challenge whether at work, at boules or on the badminton court. Hycontrol has always been a very closely-knit team and we thought that a good way of paying tribute to Chris was to set the Malvern challenge, and to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation in the process.”

Mr Reece's brother Nick, who is also a sales representative at Hycontrol, added: "I’m proud the Hycontrol team have come together like this in Chris’s memory and hope that we can raise as much money as possible for this vitally important charity.”

Many of Hycontrol’s 50-strong staff will be taking part with their families and are collecting sponsorship for the event. The company will also be sponsoring each participant. To sponsor go to JustGiving website at justgiving.com/Hycontrol