With little or no cycling experience, a group of 20 people are about to take on a mammoth cycle ride.

The pedal pushing philanthropists are tackling the journey from Yeovil to Crouch End to mark the 100th anniversary of St Gilda’s Catholic Junior School in Oakington Way, Crouch End.

The nuns who formed St Gilda’s in 1915 also established a school in Yeovil at around the same time, and the ride symbolises the relationship between the two institutions.

Past parent and school governer Kit Graveson, 66, of Stapleton Hall Road said: “It’s amazing and absolutely remarkable what they are doing, it’s fantastic.

“Part of me thinks they’re completely mad but I’m full of admiration for them, they have been training really hard and going on big rides to prepare.

“I would have loved to have done it myself but I didn’t want to hold them back. I’ll be cheering them on when they arrive back here in Crouch End though.”

Each rider has been sponsored £250 by Crouch End traders as well as taking part in their own fundraising to reach their £25,000 target, with all the cash going towards improving the school’s outside play facilities.

The distance is to be covered over two days starting tomorrow, with the riders expected at the finish line on the school’s St Aloysius playing field in Hurst Avenue at around 4pm on Sunday.