Cyclist dies after collapsing near finish of charity ride

A MAN collapsed during a charity fundraising cycle ride and later died in hospital.

The 40-year-old was nearing the finishing line of the Lockerbie Loop yesterday when he became ill and was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. Police wish to contact a fellow cyclist who came to his aid.

Last night Brian Smith, who works at the Somerton House Hotel in Lockerbie, where the event starts and finishes, said: "It is a very sad thing that's happened, No-one expects something like this."

The Lockerbie Loop, which has been held in the town for ten years, has raised thousands of pounds for the charity Children First. This year there were about 150 competitors in the event, which features three routes - one of 20 miles and two 50-mile routes, one of which goes over the Annan hills.