STAFF from West Midland Safari Park are going the extra mile to fundraise for the conservation of threatened rhinos.

The Park's operations director, Darren Chorley, and operations manager, Ashley Gillam, are both getting on their bikes to take part in Sunday's Velo Birmingham, to raise funds for Save the Rhino International (SRI).

Beginning and ending in Birmingham, the scenic 100-mile route passes through Staffordshire and Worcestershire, bypassing West Midland Safari Park.

With only four months training behind them, the Safari Park cycle team are hoping to complete the challenge within eight hours.

Mr Gillam said: "We have been training twice a week, completing one short journey of around 40 miles and then a longer journey of approximately 60 miles.

"The furthest we have managed to travel so far is 70 miles, so it will be interesting to see how we get on with 100 miles on Sunday. The route will go through Bewdley, so we would love to see as many people there as possible to cheer us on."

He added: "We are really looking forward to the challenge and we hope we raise lots of money for Save the Rhino.

"It is such a great cause for the endangered rhinos and I hope we can raise awareness for these magnificent animals."

To donate to the team, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ridingforrhino.