MEMORIES of an epic bike ride than 20 years ago were rekindled for Taunton Deane Mayor Councillor Ken Hayward when he greeted four long distance cyclists at The Deane House in Taunton.

Cllr Hayward completed the marathon John O'Groats to Land's End route in 1983 when he raised money for his local hospice so he knew well what was in store for the quartet when he welcomed them.

Three of the riders, Nick Cowley, John McDougall and Richard Johnson, are pedalling the full distance while Jonathon Paul, son of former Mayor and Taunton Deane Councillor Alan Paul, is cycling for two days in support.

The ride is in aid of Leukaemia Research and in memory of Phil Cowley, Nick's father, who died from leukaemia last year at the age of 54. Anyone wanting to support the ride should visit the website www.lejog07.net