cyclists have raised £2,700 for good causes on a 27-mile ride.

The Black Sheep Brewery, in Masham, sponsored the first Lower Dales Circle charity ride, when more than 40 cyclists took to the road.

The event started and finished at the Green Dragon pub in Exelby, near Bedale, and the route passed through Burneston, Kirklington, Wath, West Tanfield, Nosterfield, Masham and Bedale, with riders calling at 18 pubs along the way.

At a presentation evening in the Green Dragon, the proceeds were distributed to local causes, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, firefighters at Masham, the baby unit at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, Henshaw's Society for Blind People, in Harrogate, Mencap, Mowbray School, in Bedale, and Burneston CE Primary School.

The event was organised by former Green Dragon landlord Chris Wade, who was inspired by the success of the annual North Riding Dales Licensed Victuallers Association charity ride, which covers Upper Wensleydale and has raised £148,000 for local charities in 20 years. It has been sponsored by Black Sheep Brewery for the past six years.

The brewery will be the host venue for this year's Lower Dales ride on August 30. The North Riding Dales LVA event will take place on Wednesday, June 13.