TV STAR Vic Reeves cycled around Port Lympne on a tandem bike with new wife Nancy to launch the Rhino Cycle Challenge 2003.

The comedian and his new bride saddled up on their tandem and cycled around the rhino enclosures in their fight to protect the endangered animals

The second Rhino Cycle fundraising event, hosted by Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, aims to help raise £300,000 to build a new rhino breeding sanctuary at Howletts, near Canterbury.

The event, on July 5, is backed by the Kent Messenger Group, which owns and runs Kent Online.

Port Lympne is home to 23 black rhinos, the largest captive breeding herd in the world outside Africa. The park has seen six births over the last 18 months and is world famous for its successful breeding programmes.

In 1960, there were 65,000 black rhinos in the world, today there are fewer than 3,000.

There are two cycle routes to choose from, both starting and finishing at Port Lympne. You can either pedal 70 miles from Port Lympne to Hythe, Dymchurch, Camber and Rye and back or 20 miles from Port Lympne across the Romney Marsh and back.

The three highest fundraisers will receive prizes including a first prize of an African Safari holiday for two.

After the event there will be an evening of entertainment with live bands, fireworks, and hot air balloon rides. There will also be free entrance to the park for all participants and overnight camping.

To register call Dee on 01303 264647 or email deer@howletts.net. To register online visit www.howletts.net.

The Invicta running club is also organising a 10km race and kids fun run on the day. Contact Tim Sutton on 01304 366248 or email racedirector@invictaeastkentac.org.uk.