IT will be a far cry from her usual role as Sunday school teacher, youth group leader and reverend's wife.

But An Lammens is embracing her challenge of cycling 300 miles from London to Paris to raise cash for those in need.

Mrs Lammens, 34, of Church Hill, Ramsey, needs to raise £1,100 before she can make the journey on July 24, for Christian Aid.

She is married to the Rev Erwin Lammens who works for the Harwich peninsula parish.

She said: "I have four days to do it in so have to average about 80 miles a day. We are leaving from London and cycle to Dover, and then take the ferry and go from Calais to Arras.

"We then cycle to Compeigne and then to Paris."

CHALLENGE She will be taking on the challenge with 59 others who are also cycling for the same cause.

"I am preparing myself by going on my exercise bike and cycling for about two hours - 40 miles - a day."

An has her own racing bike, which she hopes will help her on her way.

"It gives me a good feeling that I can use my cycling to help people. The charity supports over 50 countries worldwide by helping people in poverty."

At the end of the event, cyclists hope to watch competitors from the Tour de France cycle to the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Last year An completed a one-day cycle ride from London to Canterbury for the Geoff Thomas Foundation for Leukaemia, which she hopes will put her in good stead for this year.

To sponsor her visit Just Giving

or phone the vicarage on 01255 880291.