STAFF from the Salisbury branch of a major high street store are aiming to raise more than £3,000 for charity through a marathon bike ride.

Six members of staff from Marks and Spencer in the Old George Mall have begun cycling to the Macmillan head office in London and back, a 180-mile round trip.

The first leg of the ride, completed in just over 9 hours, raised £1,000, with the second ride raising around £700.

They are still hoping to hit the £3,000 mark.

Along with the bike ride, the store will host its annual coffee morning event on Friday, September 28, with raffles and games to entertain customers and encourage donations. .

Selma Manton-Brown, Hospitality Section Manager at M&S Salisbury, said: “We’ll have lots of fun activities happening at our World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event on Friday September, 28, and hope many of our customers will join us to raise a mug and enjoy a slice of cake to help people living with cancer. The annual event is a great excuse to get together with friends and family and raise money for a great cause at the same time!”

A number of items are also available for customers to purchase in Foodhalls throughout September, including a limited-edition Macmillan ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ cake, with 10 percent of each sale going to Macmillan.

Kerry Mansell, Store Manager at M&S Salisbury, added: “The Macmillan Colin is sure to make his mark around the UK.

He’s always been a firm favourite and it’s great that he’ll be helping boost our fundraising efforts this year.”