CYCLISTS headed off on a gruelling ride from the Galpharm to Brighton.

Some 168 riders, including Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle and club legend Andy Booth, set off on the four-day ride this morning.

The cyclists are raising thousands of pounds which will be split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Huddersfield Town’s academy.

The group will arrive in Brighton on Saturday in time to see Town take on the League 1 champions in a vital promotion game.

Last year Dean and 21 others rode from the Galpharm to Southend for the first game of the season.

The Town chairman was delighted to see eight times as many people preparing to take part in this year’s fundraiser.

Dean said: "It’s a much bigger event this year and we’re hoping to raise up to £250,000.

"It’s great that there are all these cyclists doing their bit for the community. Seeing all those blue and white stripes down in Brighton will be a proud moment.

"I think it shows the enthusiasm which people in Kirklees have for the football club and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance."