Cyclists in Gloucestershire can put their riding skills to the test in an exciting charity first.

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is staging a mobile velodrome challenge on the Promenade in Cheltenham on Friday 12th July to raise money for the CT Scanner Appeal.

This amazing pursuit racing challenge is open to teams of four, who compete to get the best time travelling around the track throughout the day.

Wealth management company Brewin Dolphin and Street Velodrome have teamed up to put on the event. The money raised will go towards the £1.2m appeal to buy new CT scanners and mobile digital X-ray machines for Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals.

Richard Hastilow-Smith, head of fundraising, said: "We are so excited to be staging this brilliant challenge, which will not only raise money for the charity, but also provide a great day of sporting entertainment for competitors and spectators alike.

"We wanted to thank Brewin Dolphin for sponsoring and all the companies supporting this fantastic event, which is in aid of our appeal to buy state-of-the-art imaging technology to help save and transform lives in Gloucestershire."

The event is backed by Gloucestershire Paralympian wheelchair racer, Mel Nicholls, who will be taking part in the velodrome challenge.

She said: "This appeal resonates with so many of us. I've experienced first-hand what early detection of such things as strokes can mean. Imagine that applied to cancer diagnosis, premature babies and other conditions and the lives that can be saved as a result of increased CT scanning availability in our hospitals.

"The velodrome challenge brings people together, bringing a social and fun competitive side to a day of feeling good and doing good. I am proud to support the appeal and I am looking forward to seeing the teams on the start line."

Paul Nurden, divisional director and head of office at Brewin Dolphin in Cheltenham, said: "Brewin Dolphin is delighted to be supporting the event and it is great to be putting something back into the community and helping a cause that we know will impact so many people's lives in Gloucestershire.

"We have entered a team and we cannot wait to take part in what is shaping up to be a great day of friendly competition. We look forward to hearing about all the businesses who have signed up.

"As a company, we promote cycling heavily, not only as a means of keeping active but also because of the sense that it takes someone on a journey both mentally and physically. It fits with our core value of helping to support clients through their personal financial journeys at whatever stage of life they are at."

Entry is now open for the challenge and you can either pay the full entry free or pay a deposit and pledge to raise sponsorship for the appeal. Only 16 teams can take part and places are already going fast. Entry closes on 30th June.