Farmers swapped tractors for bikes as they joined former National Farmers’ Union (NFU) President Peter Kendall in Suffolk for the latest leg of the Farm Cycle Challenge.

Thirteen intrepid riders left NFU East Anglia’s regional office in Newmarket today on an 85-mile journey into central London.

The riders, including NFU regional director Pamela Forbes, are all raising money for three UK agricultural charities and Farm Africa.

Pamela said: “It’s at times like this that I’m grateful to be regional director in England’s flattest region! I’m looking forward to cycling on roads the Tour de France will be using in a few weeks’ time – though at a slightly slower pace!”

Peter, and friend and neighbour Richard Whitlock, are on the fourth leg of a 1000-mile tour around all the NFU regional offices in England and Wales. NFU members and group secretaries came along to wish them well before they left Newmarket.

Peter said: “The great thing about this leg is it’s taking place on home turf, with lots of friendly faces. It really makes a difference to see new people on each leg, swapping stories as we go along. It makes the whole thing a lot easier.”

Today’s leg will finish at the Farmers Club in Central London, where Peter said he was looking forward to a couple of cold beers.

“We finish at NFU HQ in Stoneleigh next week and, boy, will I be pleased to see that!” he said.

The Farm Cycle Challenge is raising money for three UK agricultural charities – The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Addington Fund and the Farming Community Network – and Farm Africa. Donations can also be made to the Farm Cycle Challenge at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/farmcyclechallenge