Staff at a leading building company are to take on a cycle challenge to mark the start of a 5-year partnership with a children's charity.

Yeovil-based Jones Building Group will get on their bikes in September to raise money for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

The cycling fundraiser is the first major event in the partnership, with 28 riders already signed up, including founder David Jones.

The route begins at CHSW's Little Harbour children's hospice in St Austell, before heading towards Jones Building Group's Bodmin office.

From there, cyclists will ride to CHSW’s Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Barnstaple before heading towards the Jones Building Group office in Exeter.

Cyclists will then make their way to the Portishead office and visit Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall, before finishing up at Yeovil Rugby Club.

Jones Building Group business development manager, Mark Robinson, said: "The next five years is not just about Jones Building Group raising vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West, but more about how we as a company can affect those communities and make a positive impact on families' lives and create positive memories for them along their difficult journey."

Founded in 1979, Jones Building Group has grown from a painting and decorating venture into a major operation with a 240-strong workforce across the south west, offering services from social housing refurbishment and small works to maintenance and fire safety solutions.

Founder Mr Jones remains the chief executive officer, while his three sons Harry, Davey, and Vinny all work for the company alongside their sister Lace.

The cycling challenge follows smaller events arranged this year, including a cream tea and a Euro 2024 sweepstake.

Future fundraising efforts include Mr Jones's son, Harry Turner, running his first ever London Marathon in April 2025.

Mr Turner said: "No matter how hard training is and the marathon itself, I will always be digging deep and drawing on the knowledge that my pain or suffering at that time will be nothing compared to how it must feel to be told your child is diagnosed with a life limiting condition."

The company, which has satellite offices in Portishead, Bodmin, and Exeter, has engaged in community work including supporting regional sports clubs and working with schools.

It has also supported community gardening projects and provided labour and materials to Yeovil College, as well as sponsoring the college's courses and sporting teams.

The cycling challenge will commence on September 25.