POLICE officers from Basingstoke are making final preparations for a gruelling physical challenge in aid of Children in Need.

Six officers and support staff will cycle 75 miles from Alencon in France, Basingstoke’s twin town, to Caen on the northern coast, this Thursday.

The following day they will board a ferry before running in relay from Portsmouth to Basingstoke.

Senior officers, including Chief Constable Andy Marsh, will get involved with the run as the team nears the north of the county.

Detective Constable Rod Kenny said: “We’ve put lots of hard work into our training and just want to get out and do it now. We’re doing this all in our own time and for a really great cause.

“We’d love to raise as much money as possible through this event and would encourage people to come out and support us on the day.”

Each officer, from Basingstoke, Alton and Winchester police stations, will end up running around 16 miles.

The team will go through Fareham at around 8.45am, the centre of Southampton at about 10.45am and the centre of Winchester by 12.30pm.

They should complete the final leg of their journey, from Hatch Warren to Basingstoke police station, by 4pm on Friday.

To donate to the cause, visit justgiving.com/basingstokecops.