SOMERSET cricketer Marcus Trescothick has launched the countdown to the Rotary Club of Taunton's 23rd annual 50/50 Charity Cycle Ride and Walk.

People taking part in the event on on Sunday, May 6, split their sponsorship between the club and a charity close to their heart.

The challenge, covering 10, 15 or 21 miles, starts and finishes at a new venue this year - Richard Huish College - and takes in the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

The walk element is a four-mile loop from the college to Cotlake Hill.

For more serious cyclists, there's a 46-mile Quantock Challenge in aid of Bloodwise, in memory of Luke Buckingham, which includes Cothelstone Hill and Crowcombe Hill.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.tauntonrotary.com www.huish.ac.uk or from venues including Ralph Colman Cycles, Go Outdoors, Taunton Tourist Information Centre, Blackbrook Pavilion, the YMCA or from The Cycle Ride Administrator, Brindles, 16 Campion Drive, Taunton TA1 3XE.

Alternatively, contact Jacky Ford on 01823-277057 or e-mail ford-jacky@sky.com