DOZENS of cyclists are to take to the streets of Oxford to buy gifts for the city's homeless.

It is the third cyclists' social rally in the city, but the first to be held in aid of charity.

Organiser Dan Harris, who works at Oxford Cycle Workshop, in Magdalen Road, said: "We've done a couple earlier in the year which were about getting people together and having a social time on our bikes.

"After the success of those ones we felt there was potential to organise an event for charity and hopefully get a good turnout."

More than 50 people took part in the last rally, dubbed by the organisers 'alleycat', a bicycle treasure hunt around the city, which was held at Halloween.

This time, participants in the event, which will take place between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, will be given a map of Oxford, a list of participating shops, and a list of small items such as toiletries and clothes.

The items will be given to Oxford Night Shelter to distribute to homeless people in the city.

Mr Harris said: "Christmas is the theme so we want people to wear fancy dress and we want them to dress up their bikes as if they were Christmas trees, too.

"There are battery-powered fairy lights which you could use, baubles, whatever you can find. We may even give a special prize if anyone comes as the fairy on the top of their Christmas tree bike!

"When you think of Christmas, you think of people who have not got family or the support that other people have around them so it is the obvious thing in mind when you think of people in need."

Mr Harris said that safety would be of paramount concern, and added that while there was a time limit, it would not be a race and people were encouraged to cycle safely.

He said: "This is probably the first 'race' where someone recommends you bring a basket and panniers.

"This time of year you are never exactly sure what the weather is like so safety is a major concern.

"The prizes are not there for the fastest finishers, it is more down to how you have decorated your bike and how you have travelled in your quest to find the items you pick up."

The Oxford Shelter Shop Alleycat will start at the Waterstones end of Broad Street at 2pm, ending at the Anchor Inn, in Hayfield Road, North Oxford.

Anyone with a bicycle is welcome to take part.

There will be a ceremony at the end where the best dressed and the best decorated bicycle will receive prizes and the gifts will be handed over to the Oxford Night Shelter.