A SUPER-FIT mum is pedalling the length of Britain to raise money for a cash-strapped Bolton cricket club.

Maria Wilson is in the saddle for the gruelling 1,000-mile ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Mrs Wilson, aged 44, is hoping her exertions will raise around £3,000 for Bradshaw Cricket Club.

The youth worker, from Crompton Way, is covering 50 miles a day on a route that takes bikers through Cornwall, over Dartmoor, along the Welsh border, skirts the Lake District and heads into Scotland towards John O' Groats.

Maria accepted the challenge because her Christopher, aged 15, plays in one of the club's junior teams.

The money will go towards the running of the club and will help improve the clubhouse, changing rooms and buy new equipment.

Her husband Simon said: "She left with the usual worries about the weather, her physical condition and the bike, but she's very fit."

Maria, who is cycling with a friend, is in contact with her husband every day and keeps him updated on her progress. She is an experienced cyclist and has conquered other challenges in Ireland, the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales.

In 2001, the cricket club was threatened with closure after an access bridge over Bradshaw Brook needed repairing. The club has only just finished paying off the £42,000 bill and needs more money for club facilities.

Club vice-chairman Mike Buckley said: "It's brilliant that Maria is doing this challenge and it will bring in much-needed funds. The cricket club is the focal point of this community and we need every penny we can get."