AROUND 700 cyclists are to pass through Okehampton this weekend as part of a mammoth cycling challenge.

The Deloitte Ride Across Britain is the UK's premier long distance cycling challenge, offering a testing 982-mile cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End.

The ride was set up in 2010 by James Cracknell, Julian Mack and Charlie Beauchamp as a chance to unite riders taking on the classic challenge from one end of Britain to the other.

Having set off on June 8 from John O'Groats, around 700 riders have been passing through some of Britain's most beautiful and challenging routes, with many raising money for the British Paralympic Association, the RAB's official charity.

On Saturday, June 15, the ride is to pass through Okehampton.

Riders will set off in the morning from Wincanton in Somserset, pedalling 86 miles before passing through Okehampton, heading another 20 miles to Launceston for the night.

The challenge will finish the following day.

Riders are expected to pass through Okehampton between 3pm and 5pm.