A TEAM of vets are preparing for a cycle which will see them take in more than 100 miles of Dorset's roads to raise money for a local animal shelter.

The vets from the Damory Veterinary Clinic in Blandford Forum are taking on the challenge for the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre, based in Wareham.

The cycle is part of the celebrations for 50 years of the Margaret Green Animal Rescue.

They will set out from the clinic in Blandford Forum, through various villages down to Poole and in to the Dolphin Shopping Centre for a quick break and a drink before heading over to Studland.

After a photo stop at the charity’s Church Knowle sanctuary, they’ll head up to the Lincoln Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre before back to Damory.

Three members of staff from the clinic, David Harding, Simon Howarth and Cesar Sastre are joining Margaret Green staff to take on the challenge.

Mr Harding explained the reason they decided to take up the challenge.

He said: “We just thought it would be good for the practice to do something to try and raise some funds for a good local cause and an animal rescue that we work closely with.”

He also praised he charity, which looks after more than 100 animals every month in Dorset.

Mr Harding said: “They do a brilliant job. They re-home the animals. They take care of dogs that have been picked up from the council and find homes for them.

“Most of all they do it in a very caring way and they do what needs to be done.

“They really look after the animals of Dorset really well.”

The cycle may be aiming to raise money for a good cause but it has provided extra motivation for the team to get fit.

Mr Harding said: “We’re looking forward to the cycle. It’s an additional motivation to get fit and we’re feeling ready for it.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Margaret Green who taken in all types of unwanted, abandoned and ill-treated animals and re-home them to caring, loving owners.

They care for more than 1,200 animals every year and rely on the help of the public to continue offering the care.

To donate to the cyclists go to www.justgiving.com/DamoryVets/