IN OUR throwaway society shoes that are a bit worse for wear are more likely to end up in the bin than at the menders.

But as one businessman gets on his bike for a good cause the message being promoted is mend them, don't dump them!' Matt Bunce, who owns Elise Services in Weymouth, is among those working in the shoe repair industry taking part in a charity challenge to promote the green aspects of the trade and help raise £20,000 for Children in Need.

Cycling for Recycling will involve shoe repairers from around Britain each cycling a designated 20-mile stretch. The aim is to get a well-worn pair of shoes owned by actor Felicity Kendal from one end of the country to the other.

The shoes will be soled, heeled and polished along the way.

Married father-of-two Mr Bunce, 38, from Portland, will be cycling from Dorchester to Lyme Regis on September 9.

He said: "One of my reps put my name down for it. I've not been on a bike for 20 years. A friend has lent me a lightweight aluminium bike.

"I've been cycling from home to work to get in training. I'm a bit saddle sore so I've bought a big soft seat."

It has been suggested riders raise £200 each but Mr Bunce is already past that and aiming to raise £1,000.

He encouraged people to get shoes repaired. "Why chuck out a pair of shoes if there's a chance they could be mended for a few pounds?" he said.