A WORCESTER policeman will be mounting a bike to raise cash for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

Thornton Bridges has signed up for a 450-mile bike ride across Mexico to help raise funds for the new Bath Road unit.

"The reason I chose Acorns is because, at my father's funeral a couple of years ago, we had a collection for Acorns," said Mr Bridges.

"I said I'd something else after that and, as I'm an assistant scout leader at 1st Worcester Scout Group, I initially persuaded them to pass over some of the funds raised to Acorns."

He chose the mammoth challenge because he turned 40 this year and decided it was a good way to combine a personal challenge with a good cause.

"Although the ride is in February 2003, the bulk of the fund-raising has to be done by November this year, which will mean I have to go out during the winter nights for six or seven hours at a time," he added.

Mr Bridges, who will be embarking on his first fund-raising event, is appealing for anyone who can lend him a bike for the trip to come forward.

"I haven't got a bike yet and would like to hear from anyone who can lend me one," said the traffic policeman from St Peter's.

"At the moment I'm doing half-an-hour here and there on the exercise bike."

He has already secured sponsorship from St John's company Janus Alarms and urges other firms to come forward with a pledge.

"I've been speaking to some people I know in local business and Janus has offered to help out," he added.

"I'm also organising some functions to help raise the money.

"Nowadays people are being asked to put their hands in their pockets and it's very hard to find something that pleases everyone. But it would be a shame if the people of Worcester can't support it as it's something on their doorstep."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Mr Bridges, or lend him a bike, can contact him on 07980 263539.