TWO cycling enthusiasts are embarking on a challenge to raise awareness to help Ramsbottom Cricket Club get back on its feet after the devastating floods.

The Boxing Day floods caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the historic Acre Bottom ground and now Ramsbottom neighbours, Mike Evans, aged 47, and Ian McKinley, aged 43, of Lansdowne Close, are hoping to raise cash to help out.

The pair are aiming to visit all fourteen Lancashire League club cricket grounds in a single day to raise profile of the plight of the club, and direct people towards a special website that has been set up for people to pledge support and funds to fix the extensive flood damage.

Director of Operations at The Football League Trust, Mike said: “The cricket club put out a funding appeal on social media which really struck a chord’, explained Evans.

“The club is synonymous with the town, and has been for 170 years. It is a massive part of its heritage.

“To see it under water on Boxing Day was really heart breaking and it made us want to do something to help, and we felt that this ride might capture some imagination and raise the profile of the massive effort that is required to have Acre Bottom ready for the new season.

“The cricket club are looking for help from wherever they can get it, there is so much to be done. If a couple of local businesses pick up the phone because they heard about it through our ride, we’ll have helped in our own way.

“The ride itself will be quite a challenge. 80 miles at this time of year in dodgy weather with the excesses of Christmas in your system isn’t ideal, but it doesn’t really compare to the hardship suffered by many in the floods.”

John Fox, a committee member at RCC, said; “Mike’s offer of support came out of the blue and is totally overwhelming.

“It’s a fantastic gesture and is just one of many offers of support that we have received over the last few days.

“The cricket club has a special place in the hearts of many Ramsbottom residents and as a community we welcome the support from Mike and Ian as we try to get the club back into shape before the start of the 2016 season.

“Mike and Ian can count on our support during their ride and we urge anyone who can to contribute to their fundraising effort.”

Supporters can pledge support by visiting: crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Rammy-CC-1