365 miles to save 365 lives

Firefighter Bob Paterson and four colleagues have set out on a 365-mile cycle ride, which they hope will highlight safety issues.

The five cyclists have targeted schools and fire stations across the county in a bid to publicise Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service's campaign 365 Alive.

The campaign aims to save an extra 365 lives in a decade by making people aware of how they can stay safe.

On Monday the group made their first stop at Matthew Arnold School, in Cumnor, where they urged pupils to take up the 365 Alive pledge.

The pledge involves a promise to always wear a seatbelt, and also asks pupils to make sure they are aware of fire safety in their home.

Watch manager Mr Paterson, 48, from Cumnor, lost his 13-year-old son Dale in a car crash in Italy in 2005.

If Dale had been wearing his seatbelt correctly he would have survived and Mr Paterson has tirelessly campaigned to raise the issue since his son's death.

Last year, he was named Firefighters' Charity Supporter of the Year after he organised a cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.

He said: "Our last cycle ride was successful beyond all expectations, and with the help of Oxfordshire residents we are hoping this one will be even bigger.

"It is important to keep the momentum going in terms of raising awareness of our safety campaign work.

"It was quite a challenge to plot the 365-mile route because we wanted to include as many places as possible, as well as the fire stations.

"On Tuesday it was like being in a power shower and having buckets of water chucked at you while cycling through puddles that came halfway up your wheel.

"The children have been excellent. They were really excited. And to get that kind of thing really motivates you.

"There is a real good team spirit and camaraderie with everyone. It is refreshing."

The cyclists are due to end their trip at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford on Saturday afternoon.