KEEN cyclists will be taking on the Bustard Ride in month in memory of the late cabinet member Jerry Wickham, with cyclists from Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police joining Cllr Wickham's son Ollie Wickham to raise funds for two charities close to his heart.

The second Bustard Ride takes place on September 27. Last year’s event raised more than £3,000 for mental health charity Wiltshire Mind.

Cllr Wickham, who passed away in July 2019 from prostate cancer, was an avid cyclist and was due to undertake the first day route of the Tour de France in 2018, but had to cancel due to his health. The route will be confirmed soon, but it will take-in Jerry’s home village and the villages he represented as a councillor.

Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Executive Directors said: “Jerry was a well-loved cabinet member during his time here. He always had time for everyone and continually strived to improve the lives of people in Wiltshire. He was a very keen cyclist, so this year’s Bustard Ride seems a fitting way to honour his memory. I’m sure he will be with us on the day, spurring us all on to get to the finish line.”