A west Dorset partner of a law firm is taking on an ‘extraordinary challenge’ for a life-saving charity.

Scott Bowley, partner and head of Porter Dodson’s Bridport office, is joining nine other members of staff for the Porter Dodson Great British Bike Off, a cycling expedition of the firm’s eight offices.

The idea was initially raised by fellow partner Nicholas Clegg, who suggested the 121-mile cycle ride over two days, but this was changed to just one day.

The team, which hails from across Dorset, Devon and Somerset, has been taking part in training sessions, starting with a 20-mile ride climbing nearly 2,000 ft to a 100-mile ride climbing a gruelling 2,461 ft.

Scott Bowley said: “I have only recently caught the cycling bug, having bought my bike in April after some encouragement from colleagues, so this has been an extraordinary challenge for me.

“After our 100-mile training ride, we think we are all now prepared for a big bike ride.”

The Porter Dodson Great British Bike Off takes place on Thursday, leaving the Wellington office at 6.30am. The first stop is the Bridport office at 10.15am and with all being well, the team will arrive at Taunton at 8.30pm where staff will be waiting to celebrate their success.

Steve Law, philanthropy manager at the RNLI, works closely with Porter Dodson and said: “We at the RNLI can only continue to save lives with the generous support of the public.

“My thanks and best wishes to those undertaking the cycle to support our crews and to all those sponsoring them.

“Behind every life saved on our coasts are those giving their time, energy and money to enable the RNLI to continue and the team at Porter Dodson are a vital part of this.”

For more information and to donate, visit porterdodson.co.uk