Town turns red for Greg James' Cominc Relief ride

7 minutes ago

Indy Almroth-WrightSouth of England

News image — Greg James is due to set off from Weymouth on Friday for the eight-day challenge

Jack Margerison/Comic Relief Greg James standing behind a tandem bicycle wearing blue trousers, a red top baseball cap and a red nose on his nose. — Greg James is due to set off from Weymouth on Friday for the eight-day challenge

Weymouth is preparing to see off Radio 1's Greg James as he starts a 630-mile (1,000km) tandem bike ride for Comic Relief.

The DJ is set to pedal off on Friday at 08:40 GMT from the start line at Weymouth Pavilion along The Esplanade towards Greenhill as he makes his way to Bristol on day one of the challenge.

James said the Dorset town, where many of his family live, was "one of my favourite places in the world where I have spent a lot of my life... I am looking forward to a good old Weymouth send-off."

The Jubilee Clock, Nothe Fort, the theatre, the town bridge, along with seafront lighting will all turn red from Thursday.

Weymouth Town Council Weymouth's Jubilee Clock on the seafront with the promenade and beach seen behind it. The clock is red and pale blue with gold decoration. The face of the clock is lit with red lights. — The Jubilee Clock will be among the landmarks lit in red

Mayor of Weymouth Caroline Nickinson said she would be at the start to see James off.

"Good luck Greg, we will give you a big send off as you set off from Weymouth to complete your 1,000km journey to Edinburgh," she said.

Councillor Jon Andrews, from Dorset Council, added: "I know our community will be out in force to cheer him on.

"We're proud to play a small part in supporting Comic Relief and the incredible difference it makes to the lives of the most vulnerable people."

The breakfast show presenter will spend eight days in the saddle riding mostly solo with special guests and other Radio 1 presenters taking on the second seat during the journey.

His route for Radio 1's Longest Ride will see him pedal over eight days through Wales, the Midlands and the north of England, to the finish on 20 March - Red Nose Day - in Edinburgh.