THE Cherries’ business club is putting pedal power to the test to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

AFC Business, a partnership between AFC Bournemouth and local organisations, aims to raise £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in this year’s Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride.

Members of the AFC commercial team will be joined by local business men and women as they take up the challenge.

Since it began in 1989 the summer event, which takes place on the first Sunday of July each year, has raised more than £1,000,000 for Macmillan. AFC Business has raised more £10,000 for the charity over the last four years.

Ashton McClelland, Cherries commercial assistant, said. “It’s great to see so many AFC Business members getting together to support Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We have been participating in the bike ride for almost five years now and are very proud to have raised the amount we have.

“Hopefully we can add to that by hitting the £4,000 mark with the help of our members and partners.”

During the annual event participants chose which route they will complete with options ranging from ten miles to 100 miles.

Chris Dicks of Resolution Health and Fitness will be running training sessions for the team in the build up to the bike ride.

Donations can be made by visiting justgiving.com/AFCBusiness.

AFC Business is AFC Bournemouth's free to join business club and is made up of a partnership between AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hill Osborne, Macmillan Cancer Support, Strategic Solutions and Travel Counsellors.