A CHIEF constable is getting on his bike to raise vital funds for mental health charity Wiltshire Mind.

Kier Pritchard will join Wiltshire Council corporate directors Alistair Cunningham, Carlton Brand and Terence Herbert among other council staff for a gruelling 130-mile bike ride. They will set off from County Hall in Trowbridge on June 21.

The Bustard Ride will take the group across the county through Warminster, Salisbury, Amesbury, Marlborough, Devizes, Malmesbury, Chippenham and Melksham before the finish line back in Trowbridge. Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden will also join Kier for the challenge.

Kier said: “Wiltshire Mind is a brilliant charity so of course I am delighted to be taking part in this challenge to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause.

“The very nature of the work police officers and staff carry out means that they are often exposed to traumatic or stressful situations, and within the force, we have long recognised the importance of providing psychological support to staff who may need it if they are going through a particularly difficult time.

“We recently held a mental health awareness week to encourage members of our community to talk about mental health and urge people to seek the help they require. I hope that by taking part in this cycle ride, we will be able to raise further awareness of mental health and help fund the support available for those in need.”

To sponsor the group, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bustard-ride-wiltshire