M&S employees in Callands are getting on their bikes to try to raise more than £3,000 for the John Holt Cancer Support Foundation.

Staff at the Gemini store have begun a fundraising campaign as part of the company’s pledge to raise £1.25million in 125 days for community charities as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.

The team is going to cycle 125 miles on exercise bikes at the shop every weekend over 125 days.

Justine Power, merchandising manager, said: “It’s really exciting to be celebrating our 125th anniversary and this fundraising challenge enables us to give something back to the communities that we’ve been part of for the past 125 years.

“We chose the John Holt Cancer Support Foundation because of the incredible support it gives to cancer patients and their families in Warrington and we hope the money raised will help make a difference to them.”

Until now the charity has been run from Fairfield Community House on Manchester Road.

The money raised will be used to furnish a new drop-in cancer support centre, which it hopes will open later this year.

The centre will offer counselling, holistic therapies, music and arts and craft.

Foundation spokesman Chris Holt said: “We are very honoured that M&S Gemini has chosen to raise money for our charity. “It’s a very exciting time as we are looking for a property to have as our own drop-in cancer support centre.

“The money raised will allow us to furnish and equip the centre and allow the charity to have a firm base and be able to support and improve the quality of life for people who have been affected by cancer here in Warrington.”

The M&S employee’s plans also include a charity ball, a slimathon, a Family Fun Day at Walton Gardens and a ‘Big Give Day’.

Meanwhile staff at the Warrington Golden Square store are also raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.