BIG BIKES AND SMOOTH BEATS FOR ISLAND HOSPICE

Sandown’s firefighters (PICTURED) were among those to take on the challenge of the world’s biggest bike, today, in aid of Newport’s Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Twenty four of them, clad in their uniforms, braved the sweltering heat to ride a lap around the town on the 2.5 tonne cycle. The bike also paid visits to Ryde and Havenstreet. Teams including an exercise class and a wedding party were sponsored to pedal around 2.5miles each. Fundraiser and organiser Sue Birch says she came up with the idea to help after hospice staff cared for her dad. She is hoping to raise around £10,000 from the event.

Meanwhile, visitors to Ventnor Park can enjoy smooth jazz al fresco on Sunday, in aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Fresh from the IW Jazz Festival, the Razz m’Jazz Sextet will perform. Joining them will be headliners The Sussex Jazz Kings. Isle of Wight favourites The Castle Jazz Band, who’ve played alongside George Melley and Humphrey Littleton, will also be taking part.

PHOTO: IW BEACON ONLINE'S TINA BROWN