A couple who met on a bike ride fifteen years ago will cycle the same route to raise money for charity.

Desmond Stevens aged 60 and his wife Christine aged 53, who live in West Lulworth, met while cycling from London to Paris in 2003.

This summer, the couple will once again put their pedals to the metal to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

This year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War and the couple want to show their support by completing the challenge.

They will be taking to the roads through the English and French countryside from August 30 to September 2 covering a total of 284 miles.

The first day of the four-day challenge will begin with a cycle from London to Calais covering 129km. The second day will see the couple travel from Calais to Abbeville covering a distance of 120.9km. On the third day they will travel from Abbeville to Beauvais covering 106.9km, and on the final day they ride from Beauvais to Paris, a distance of 100.8km.

The couple is aiming to raise £2,500 for the charity and has launched a JustGiving page.

A post on the page says: “We are taking to the roads through the English and French countryside from August 30 to September 2 to help raise much needed funds for Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Covering 284 miles.

“Any amount you can sponsor Christine and me to show support in this centenary remembrance year of the First World War will be greatly appreciated. And donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.”

Christine says the charity is important to her husband who used to be a member of the territorial army and described it as a ‘charity that’s well worth supporting.’

Christine explained that the couple are starting to prepare for their challenge.

She said: “I will be really getting my head around preparation in the next few weeks. We have to get on our bikes. We had a bike ride last Sunday and have made a start and have done a lot of cycling in the past. I’m sure we will pick it up again quite quickly from muscle memory.”

If you are interested in sponsoring Desmond and Christine visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dorset-Dawdlers