A KEEN biker is stepping off the bike and into the driver’s seat to organise a charity ride-out for the Dorchester Opportunity Group.

Andy Rae, of Toller Porcorum, is organising a 50 mile motorbike ride-out to raise money for the charity after it was announced last month that the group is facing closure due to a funding shortfall.

As reported in the Echo, the Maiden Castle Road centre, which provides care for children with specialised needs, has lost £40,000 of its annual funding after its Big Lottery sponsor pulled out.

Factory worker Andy said: "I'm involved with a lot of charity rides organised by Bikers for Action. I should think I have marshalled at around 15 or 20 rides and taken part in about five.

"When I found out that the group were fundraising, I got in touch with the organiser at Bikers For Action South West to get his advice and started organising. We’re are going to do 50 miles, it’s a relatively straight forward route so anyone with a bike from 125 cc is welcome to come along."

The route will see bikers take on the West Dorset Loop starting from Dorchester Top 'O' Town car park, heading towards Crewkerne, cutting back through the Beaminster tunnel and onto West Bay before taking the coast road to Hardy Monument.

Andy said: "I would like to think we could raise £500. Each bike donation will be £5 and we’ll do individual sponsorship as well. I’ve already had £65 on My Donate and it’s not until June. I’m looking to find a local businesses who might want to get involved and help sponsor the cost to get T-shirts printed, which we can sell to bikers for £5 a piece to raise money as well."

The Dorchester Opportunity group supports children and their families living with learning disabilities through specialised therapy, music, movement sessions, swimming, and family outreach programmes.

Up until October last year, the £40,000 a year provided by the Big Lottery grant represented 40 per cent of the charity's annual budget.

Penny Gray, a trustee and volunteer of the group said: "We are hopeful, after 25 years it would be such a shame if we had to close. You can see the improvement parents experience and kids experience by coming to us.

"The group is supported by local paediatricians and health visitors, they use speech and language therapy and family supports programmes. If you have child with those needs its hard to find time to do a lot of these things.

"It would be really nice, when this ride goes ahead in June, to be able to be celebrating the group continuing."

To get involved with the ride, or find out more, visit Andy's West Dorset Loop Facebook event.