More than 100 cyclists have teamed up for a mass bike ride to pay tribute to the victims of the Lockerbie bombing.

Riders travelled 70 miles from the memorial cairn at Lockerbie Academy to Edinburgh Castle to honour those killed in tragedy.

The Pan Am flight was en route from London to New York on 21 December 1988 when it exploded killing 270 people - including 11 on the ground.

The trek, which kicked off on Saturday, is the second stage of a transatlantic challenge called Cycle to Syracuse.

The overall challenge, set up to mark the 30th anniversary of the air disaster, is a 3200-mile trek that will end at Syracuse University in New York in a bid to finish the journey that was never completed.

The core team of five riders taking part in the full journey is made up retired policeman Colin Dorrance, Lockerbie Academy head teacher Brian Asher, ex-RAF mountain rescue service member David Whalley, firefighter Paul Rae and ambulance officer David Walpole.

They were joined by fellow riders from Lockerbie and cyclists from the emergency services on the way to Edinburgh Castle on Saturday.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "I was brought up in Lockerbie, and know how deeply the air disaster has impacted on the town.

"But I have also seen the very positive links which have grown between Lockerbie and Syracuse University over the years since.

"As we approach the 30th anniversary of the bombing, it is fitting that five local men are making the journey to Syracuse to remember those lost, and to raise money for a local youth mental health charity.

"I wish them good luck for their journey, and look forward to meeting them again in Syracuse for the University's 30th service of remembrance."

Colin Dorrance said: "Our journey to Syracuse started in the primary schools around Lockerbie.

"We have had the opportunity to tell the children about the bombing, but also about the wonderful opportunity that they may have to study at Syracuse in the future.

"It has encouraged them to speak to their parents about the bombing, learning something of how it affected the older generation in 1988.

"We are all reminded of just how selfless and heroic so many people were, and how widely it is still talked about today.

"Of course, for some, the journey will never end.

"My teammates and I are looking forward to being joined by our friends, neighbours and colleagues on the Lockerbie-Edinburgh leg this weekend.

"And then we focus on the 600 miles we will cycle in the USA to Syracuse University. The prospect is exciting, humbling and moving all in one."