A GWENT cycling couple have become the first to sign up for the Tour de Gwent 2016 cycling event.

Rookie riders Andrew Heseltine, 46, and his wife Denise, 35, of Clos Y Felin, Pontypool, were at the head of the queue to put their names down for the gruelling 77 mile cycle.

Andrew, a manager at Tesco Extra and accountant Denise, are now in training for the bike ride, which climbs a total of 6,814 ft through east Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthshire.

Mrs Heseltine, who started cycling just nine months ago, said she is looking forward to raising money with her husband for a local good cause.

She said: “We were quite surprised to be the first to book on as after we read about the success of last year’s ride, we thought we might have missed the boat.

“It’s a challenge we can do together and even better still, it’s all for our local charity, St David’s Hospice Care.”

To help publicise their involvement, boost fundraising and also to improve fitness ahead of the event, Mr Heseltine is arranging to cycle the distance on a stationary bike sited at the Tesco in Risca come the New Year.

Event organisers France Nigro, of St David’s Hospice Care added: “Experienced cyclists and relative newcomers, like Andrew and Denise, come together to have a great day in the wonderful Welsh countryside and also to help raise valuable funds for St David’s Hospice Care along the way.”

To book a place on the ride, which is being held on Sunday, April 17 visit www.tourdegwent.org