DEREHAM Meningitis Research Foundation mem-ber Paul Smith is urging people to join a London to Paris cycling team for a 290km ride this summer.Cyclists of all abilities are being sought for the event, which will take place between July 30 and August 2.

DEREHAM Meningitis Research Foundation mem-ber Paul Smith is urging people to join a London to Paris cycling team for a 290km ride this summer.

Cyclists of all abilities are being sought for the event, which will take place between July 30 and August 2. The route will take cyclists to Newhaven, then on to a ferry to Dieppe for a further stint to a hotel in northern France.

Over the following three days they will head south through beautiful countryside to the finish line under the Eiffel Tower.

After a glass of bubbly, there will be a relaxed cycle to the Eurostar train, where bikes will be stowed and participants will enjoy a well-earned rest for the journey home.

Paul cycled to Paris last summer and loved every minute. He said: "I'd recommend it to anyone of any age looking for a challenge; I had just turned 40 when I signed up.

"It was wonderful cycling out of London and into the British countryside and great to be cycling in northern France just a day later.

"The ride into Paris was one of the highlights of the trip - that first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower left us all elated - and riding under the

Arc de Triomphe was fantastic."

The foundation is a cause close to Paul's heart, as his sister-in-law Caroline died from Group B meningitis in 2006. Spurred on by a desire to make a difference in the fight against meningitis in her memory, Paul raised �2,435 for the charity.

To sign up for the 2010 ride or find out more, call 01454 281814 or visit www.meningitis.org