KIRKLEES Active Leisure is throwing its weight behind a Huddersfield children’s charity.

The organisation, which manages swimming pools and sports facilities across the district, is supporting Huddersfield charity Reachout on its 150-mile coast-to-coast challenge.

The charity supports children with autism in the Ukraine by providing a much-needed school environment and support system for both the children and their families.

Later this month, a team will be getting on their bikes to support the charity’s three-day coast-to-coast challenge from Whitehaven to Sunderland.

Mike Forster, the charity’s treasurer and gym member of Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), is taking part in the challenge with Andrew Vincent, Peter McLean, Barry Cooling and Anthony Devlin to help raise vital cash for the charity.

KAL is supporting the event by giving team members free membership to the Stadium Health & Fitness Club and providing sessions with personal trainers.

The organisation is also sponsoring the team’s kit and providing full media support.

Mr Forster said: “The challenge is essential to our work in the Ukraine, we need just £300 per month to keep the school running and the majority of our funds are predominantly raised from events such as the coast-to-coast.

Tina Roper of KAL said: “We are delighted to support Mike and his friends with their coast-to-coast cycle as we are very aware of the lack of awareness Reachout receive.

To support the charity’s coast to coast challenge, visit your local KAL sports centre or contact Julie Thompson, chair of the charity, on 07946 086779.