A rescue team’s fundraising bike ride around the coast of the UK has been delayed for a year while they look for sponsors and train up cover.

The Sidmouth Lifeboat staff were planning to start pedalling on their 2,600-mile trip this month, but now they won’t be leaving until next March.

They hope to raise sufficient money to make the trip worthwhile, as it will take them off duty for 16 days.

Organiser Glyn Jones said: “We could have done it this year but we wouldn’t have raised enough money to warrant the effort – we want to raise as much as possible.”

There are currently two tractor drivers being trained up, which will reduce the pressure on the crew left behind next year.

“And anyone left behind won’t be able to drink for two weeks” Glyn joked.

The bike ride will link up all 40 independent lifeboat crews to raise awareness of their need for funding.

Glyn said he hopes sponsorship for their jerseys proves attractive to businesses as the story get picked up around the country in the local press.

To help them raise money, call Glyn on 01395 519171.