YOU'VE heard of the Tour de France.

Now meet the riders taking part in the Tour d'Ecosse.

A group of 18 fundraisers will use pedal power to raise money for disadvantaged youngsters by cycling from Oban to Glasgow.

They will set off tomorrow to cycle 120 miles in two days, over hills, rough terrain and country roads – and have already smashed their £1000 target three times over.

The group are all staff of Ceridian, a human resources company which established the PayBack Foundation as a way to help local children with physical, emotional or learning difficulties.

The charity gives specialist equipment to families who live within 10 miles of its offices in Braehead, Leeds, Manchester and Reading.

Five-year-old Iona Foran, from Paisley, who has learning difficulties, recently became the proud recipient of a custom-designed £1000 trike from the charity.

Robert Wright of Ceridian UK said: "The guys are getting a little nervous now, but they've been working really hard to really challenge themselves.

"One or two are keen cyclists, but they're all up for the challenge."

The riders, many of whom have travelled up from the company's offices in England, will be welcomed at the Braehead finishing line by 200 friends and family.

Three local families, who have been nominated by their GPs, will also receive equipment at the celebration.

Since its creation in 1997, the PayBack Foundation has helped more than 170 youngsters by raising over £350,000.

maureen.ellis@ eveningtimes.co.uk