LOFTY the Lion, Bolton Wanderers' mascot, transferred to Nottingham Forest for the day.

He joined the Midlands club in a sponsored bike-athon to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

The 18-strong team started out from Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, to the Reebok as part of its 10 day, 1,000 mile tour.

En route, the cyclists will visit 20 clubs, including Stockport County, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.

Each team will donate a signed shirt, football or other piece of club memorabilia to be raffled off towards the end of the year.

Lofty presented a signed Wanderers shirt to the appeal.

Sam Allardyce, Wanderers' manager, said: "This is a great idea for a very important charity.

"I am proud we can add our weight to such a worthwhile cause. I wish the cyclists all the best."