ACCOUNTANTS at a Cheshire Oaks based firm are adding up the miles this month as they pedal the equivalent distance of the Tour De France.

The team from Morris & Co Chartered Accountants are taking to two pedals in the charity cycle as part of the national Great British Franchise Cycle campaign.

Staff aim to accumulate 3,480km – 2,162miles – and raise over £2,000 for the Franchise Trust, which delivers educational courses to individuals in England and Wales, designed to help them develop knowledge, skills and capabilities essential to setting up and running a business.

Other businesses involved in the franchise industry will be joined by staff from Morris & Co, who will be either road cycling or taking to one of the five stationary bikes set up in the office boardroom, which have kindly been donated by The Bike Factory in Boughton.

Desirie Lea, Morris & Co director and qualified franchise professional, said: “We’re very proud to be able to assist The British Franchise Association and The Franchise Trust by getting involved in the fundraising cycle.

"Our team are excited to take part and we hope to contribute a significant number of miles to the grand total.

"Franchise businesses have considerably more chance of achieving success that any other business starting from scratch, which makes them a favourable option for those looking to run their own business.”

To donate to Morris & Co’s cycle challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/franchisecycle or to find out more about The Franchise Trust, visit www.thebfa.org/the-franchise-trust-companions/the-franchise-trust.