A SCHOOL teacher from Innerleithen is gearing up for a marathon fundraiser.

Tim Clancey is hoping to raise £1000 for food banks that operate in and around Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale by cycling 100 miles across the South of Scotland on 'Green Wheels’ - his ageing hybrid bike.

He is due to complete the task in the Easter holidays following a surge in the number of referrals.

Explaining the reason behind his fundraiser, Mr Clancey said: “Food banks deserve our support because they provide practical, immediate assistance to those that need it most.

“We also need to understand why referrals to food banks have increased so dramatically in the last five years. With a general election coming up, it is important that this issue is discussed on the doorsteps and hustings during the election campaign. “By undertaking this challenge I hope this will encourage people to think about food banks and find out more about the work they do - and why so many people now need to use them.” The money raised will be divided equally between food banks at Peebles, Carluke and Dumfries, all of which will be visited during the cycle challenge.

Rev Jim Benton-Evans, Chair of Trustees at Peeblesshire Food Bank, said “We are seeing an increase in the numbers being referred to our Food Bank, and, while everyone’s story is unique, the need is very apparent. Time after time we hear people say 'we didn’t ever expect to need the Food Bank’.

“Food crisis can happen to anyone - and Tim’s efforts on our behalf will be both very welcome and very much needed.” If you wish to support Tim’s fundraising challenge, you can pledge support on his web page: www.justgiving.com/yimby/scottishgreenwheelschallenge Tim added: “I am not much of a cyclist, and my bike is 15 years old and rather battered - but it will be well worth the effort if we can raise some money for the food banks.

“I am also hoping to develop this into a national cycling challenge which will take place across Scotland every April from 2016 onwards and involve as many people as possible, so it will serve as a good test run.”