The parents of two Uppingham Community College pupils are staging a fundraising cycling event in aid of the fire-hit school.

Partners Bruce Donald and Lisa Thipthorp, each have a 14-year-old daughter - Maizy Donald and Tilly Thipthorp - who should have returned to the classroom today (Tues) .

The couple run Gretton-based events company WildDog Events and are putting their skills to good use by organising the UCC Fire Relief Sportive next month (Oct).

Bruce told Oakham Nub News: "The girls are both pretty upset and disappointed not be going back to UCC after the devastating fire and, instead, returning to online learning.

"We wanted to do something to help and we thought that the sportive was a good way to raise funds for the school at this difficult time."

The event is taking place on Sunday, 18 October and there will be two routes - both starting and finishing at UCC - of 51 and 22 miles.

Bruce and Lisa hope upwards of 150 two-wheeled enthusiasts will participate in the cycling sportive.

"There will be a staggered start from 9am and the two routes will give cyclists a few hilly challenges as well as some beautiful views around the county.

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"With a couple of water stops, including one at the well-known cycling haunt, Café Ventoux, cyclists will be well-supported to ensure they have an enjoyable and scenic ride made even better by knowing they are helping to support the school to get back on its feet after the fire," added Bruce.

All profits from the event will go directly to the school.

Bruce and Lisa are now seeking sponsors for the fundraiser - from water bottles to cycling shirts, prizes to feed stations.

All sponsors will be tagged and mentioned across WildDog Events' social media channels and their logo published on the website, posters and flyers.

Anyone interested in sponsoring can call 01536 771001.