The event, on Saturday, August 2nd, is a 12-mile circular route of one of Burnley's hidden assets, Cliviger Gorge. It is open to everyone and can be tackled by horse, cycle or on foot. The start and finish is in Towneley Park.

It is to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice, one of the Mayor's nominated charities, and Burnley Bridleways' Association.

Mayor Coun. Ida Carmichael said: "I have not been on a horse for many years. This will be quite a test of endurance, for us both."

Event organiser Miss Cosima Towneley added: "Burnley may be known for many things, but its stunning landscape is usually overlooked. The route, using two historic packhorse routes fought for and saved to enable riders and cyclists to use it today, circles the little known Cliviger Gorge; an extraordinary geological feature, best seen on horseback from the bleak moor land plateaus on its opposite sides."

The Loop 4 Life is open to teams of four as well as individuals on horse, cycle and foot. There is an entry fee of £10 per individual or £30 per team. Entry forms are available from Miss Towneley by post at Dyneley, Burnley, BB11 3RE, by phone on 01282 831832, by email at mail@cositowneley.co.uk or from Pendleside Hospice in Colne Road, Reedley. Entries must be returned by July 30th.