THE UK's leading medical epilepsy charity is calling on people to make an early New Year resolution to shape up and take on a 285 mile cycle challenge in 2010.

Now is the time to sign up and start preparing for the National Society for Epilepsy's (NSE) cycle from Bucks to Brussels in June next year.

Julie Voyce, NSE's fund-raising development officer, is throwing down the gauntlet, not only to cycling enthusiasts but also to people who've always wanted to take on a challenge, but never quite got round to it.

She said: "If you sign up for the challenge now, there is plenty of time to train and prepare, so even if you feel unfit you have more than six months to make a change.

The ride takes place over four days from the charity's headquarters in Chalfont St. Peter in Bucks to Maidstone, Kent, where the bikers will take a ferry from Dover to Calais before cycling to Dunkirk. Day three will be spent pedalling from Dunkirk to Bruges before heading to the finish in Brussels.

The return trip requires no cycling so participants can rest their aching legs and let the Eurostar take the strain to get them home.

Anyone wanting more information or to take part in the challenge can contact Julie on 01494 601358 or email [email protected]">[email protected] .