Sarah Fowler prepares for the Eroica Britannia event

A national park boss is hoping members of the public will chip in to make her go the extra distance in her charity challenge.

Peak District national park chief executive Sarah Fowler will tackle a 55-mile cycle race, but has vowed to extend this to a 100-mile route if she can pass the £5,000 mark.

Ms Fowler, who was appointed to the post last December, is aiming to raise more than £8,000 in sponsorship to buy a powered wheelchair bike for disabled visitors to the national park.

She will take part in the Eroica Britannia cycling festival, which involves taking to routes in the area riding a vintage bicycle and clothing from the pre-1987 era.

The authority’s chief executive has entered the 55-mile race but will switch to the 100-mile event if the sponsorship total hits £5,000.

She said: “Cycling is a great way for people to experience the landscape, discover some great views, visit friendly villages and enjoy local food and drink along the way.

“I am keen that people of all abilities have the opportunity to experience the national park by bike, which is why I am asking people to sponsor me for the ride.”

The tough but good-looking bike ride – given the nickname #Handsome – will see 3,000 riders in vintage fashions on pre-1987 road-racing bikes. They will set off from Bakewell during the early hours of Sunday 21 June.

The route has been planned as a grand tour of the Peak District, including the Chatsworth Estate and the villages of Eyam, Tideswell and Hartington, where there will be mini-festivals and feast stops of local food and drink for the riders. Local businesses and communities will provide food stops and entertainment on the day.

All riders are asked to make a donation when booking to help look after the national park’s traffic-free trails, which are enjoyed by thousands of families every year.

More details are on the Eroica Britannia website.