Sponsored ride for former Scarborough police officer Mick Atkinson

Scores of cyclists are taking on a charity ride in memory of a former Scarborough police officer.

Tour de Aky takes place on Friday in tribute to Mick Atkinson - known as Aky - who died two years ago.

He had served with North Yorkshire Police for 17 years, starting as a PC in Scarborough and then moving to the Dog Support Unit where he became a handler.

Tour de Aky will cover 106.6 miles - as a nod to PC Atkinson's collar number 1066 - from Leeds to Scarborough.

The ride was created by the officer’s best friend and North Yorkshire Police colleague, Pierre Olesqui, and was first staged last year with more than 70 riders taking part.

Last year’s event raised nearly £15,000.

Funds raised from this year's ride will be given to mental health charity Mind, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Leeds Rhinos Foundation.

Using the slogan ‘It’s ok not to be ok’, organisers are also hoping to raise awareness of mental health.

To make a donation for the charities in memory of PC Atkinson, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/9sp8a-tour-de-aky-2020.