DIDCOT’S best known charity fundraisers the Thong Rangers are springing into action for their first major event of the year.

During the past 12 years, Clifford Oakes and his team of rangers and rangerettes have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

Today they are running a 16-mile route from Didcot Town FC on the Ladygrove estate to Abingdon and back.

They will shake buckets along the route to raise funds for Mia Fryett, four, from Berinsfield, who needs constant care.

Mr Oakes, 49, a binman from Park Road, said: “Mia has cerebral palsy, can’t walk or talk, and needs lots of looking after.

"It would be great if today’s event could raise £1,000 for the family.

“It’s a cold day but when people see how little we are wearing they give generously.”

Mia’s dad Jason and mum Tina, both 41, from Colwell Road, Berinsfield, were at the football club to see a team of eight rangers and rangerettes set off before 11am.

Father-of-five Mr Fryett, who has taken time off from working as a postman to help look after Mia, said: “We want to create a sensory room for Mia and get a swing in the garden for her to play on — she’s a lovely little girl.”

Mrs Fryett added: “We really appreciate the help of the Thong Rangers.”

The team is heading from the football club along the A4130 to the Milton Interchange before running to Abingdon via Steventon and Drayton.

The runners will stop in Abingdon town centre and visit the Broad Face pub before returning to Didcot via Culham and Appleford.

For further information visit thongrangers.co.uk