WYRE Forest businesses have failed to answer a fundraising cyclist's plea for backing in his gruelling Land's End to John O'Groats charity ride.

Alan Jones, of Bewdley, has had only two replies and pledges of £35 in response to the 240 letters he sent out to companies in the area.

Mr Jones, 31, who works in administration for West Midlands Fire Service in Birmingham, said: "It's extremely disappointing. I was hoping to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Nurses, Air Ambulance and the Celia Hammond Animal Trust, but this figure will now have to be scaled down considerably."

It is the fifth year he has staged a charity fund-raising event. Last year he rode 100 miles on a tandem bike, while the year before he climbed the eight highest peaks in Snowdonia. Both events raised between £2,000 and £3,000 each.

For this year's event, Alan will be joined by Birmingham project manager Dave Sheppard, 31, of Droitwich, while Matt Smith, 22, of Stourport, will be providing back-up support.

The cyclists, who have dubbed their team Blazing Saddles will be aiming to ride between 150 and 200 miles a day, setting off on July 14 and reaching John O'Groats within six days.

Anyone wishing to sponsor can contact Alan Jones by e-mail at alan.jones@wmidsfire.gov.uk.