A MARATHON exercise bike ride has been held to raise money for charity.

Members of the Ladies at Leisure Gymnasium in Chester-le-Street undertook the 24 hour challenge at the weekend.

They cycled from 9am on Saturdays to 9am on Sunday in support of Cancer Research UK.

Fitness instructor Danielle Gates, 19, from Washington, said: “They were really good and kept going until it was completed.

“A few people have been back in since and were a bit sore and tired but they have been able to laugh about it.

“They have just tried to make it as much fun as possible.”