The excitement for the Bikeathon Kidz has stepped up a gear with the Recorder’s Scoopy touring cycle-mad schools.

The newshound and Bikeathon organiser Steve Gowers visited Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Chestnut Drive, Wanstead, on Tuesday and William Torbitt School in Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park.

They were boosting interest for the event, organised by Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research together with and sponsored by the Recorder. It will see hundreds of primary school children doing laps of Valentines Park, Ilford on June 12.

After the Lady of Lourdes visit Mr Gowers said: “The youngsters are all really up for it. There is a real determination to get the Recorder Trophy back this year, which is what the Bikeathon is all about.”

Victory for the Catholic primary would be sweet as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with the charity.

Mr Gowers added: “We are all in this together – both the school and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research are 50 years old.”

William Torbitt and Our Lady of Lourdes Schools have previously won the Recorder trophy for the most successful team at the Bikeathon.

Last year, the title was won by Christchurch School, Wellesley Road, Ilford.

Their travel plan co-ordinator Bhavini Bakhda called the fundraising event “brilliant” as it encourages youngsters to get on their bikes and find a healthier way to get to school.

Organisers hope to raise �10,000 in sponsorship from the two-wheeled fun day.

n For more information, visit www.bikeathonkidz.co.uk.