The family and friends of a teenager who drowned in the River Cherwell in Oxford will take part in a fundraising bike ride at Blenheim Palace on Sunday.

Cherwell School pupil Hassan Hussain raised £1,250 at last year's Anthony Nolan Trust Big Bike Ride. But four days later, the 15-year-old - who wanted to be a doctor - drowned at University Parks while out with friends.

This year, Hassan's father, 49-year-old Bashir, said a group including himself, Hassan's brother Zeeshan and sister Marina, as well as several of his son's friends, will be taking part in the ride.

Mr Hassan said: "This bike ride was one of the last major things Hassan did so we are honoured to be doing it in his memory - and we want to raise as much as we possibly can.

"We are expecting to have a group of 15 or 16 people taking part."

The ride sets off from Blenheim Palace in Woodstock and will see cyclists take one of three different routes around the Oxfordshire countryside before returning to the palace.

More than 700 cyclists have already registered and entries are accepted on the day.

The Hassan Hussain Memorial Foundation has been set up at Cherwell School, in Marston Ferry Road, where pupils have been involved in a number of fundraising activities.

There are plans to use some of the money for swimming-related activities. The school has also introduced river safety lessons for Year Sevens.

If you would like to take part in tomorrow's ride call Stuart Lees at the Anthony Nolan Trust on 0121 554 7678 or register at the palace on the day.