THE phrase 'get on your bike' once caused a political storm.

But Peter Aldous was hoping for a positive response when he took to two wheels on Lowestoft seafront.

The Waveney MP donned his sports gear on Sunday to take part in an event to help tackle homelessness in the town. The event was organised by the Adam Outreach Project, which runs Hope House hostel in Kirkley Cliff Road, with Mr Aldous taking up the challenge to race one of its residents, Daryl Cook.

The pair ran from CEFAS in Pakefield to the South Pier, then cycled back along the same route, to raise funds for a new house for homeless women in Lowestoft and raise public awareness about homelessness in the area.

Speaking after the race, which he won, Mr Aldous said: 'Taking part was the most important factor in this event.

'It was for a good cause and a lot of people linked to Hope House turned out. Daryl really got stuck in and it was important to raise the profile of Hope House, which does a lot of good work in the area.'

Hope House is a Christian-run home offering 15 homeless men an alcohol and drug-free zone to rest and recover from whatever problems they face. Having helped to change the lives of many men since it opened in 2008 staff, residents, volunteers and friends have been fund-raising since January for a new homeless shelter for women.

The Journal reported earlier this year that more than �2,000 had been raised by Val George, the manager of Hope House, when she was joined by 10 volunteers and ex-homeless men in sleeping rough in the town for 24 hours.

And with bucket collectors along the race route on Sunday, the latest fund-raising effort was hailed a success.

Mr Cook, a keen musician, and staff at Hope House had approached Mr Aldous to get involved.

'The current hostel is just for men and the aim is to open one for women. So to take part in this race and raise the profile of this particular project and an organisation that are doing very good work was great,' Mr Aldous added.

? Donations can still be made by calling Val on 01502 560956 or 07737 808930.