THREE school friends have completed a summer holiday cycling challenge to raise money for charity.

Jonathan Dobson, John Quigley and Richard Johnston were given a hero's welcome at Pelton Lane, near Chester-le-Street, following their successful assault on the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) route.

They completed the 134-mile course from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to Roker Marina, in Sunderland, in three days. They raised £472.91 in sponsorship for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The money was presented to community fundraising manager Linda McDonough during a celebratory evening at the Plough Inn, between Pelton and Chester-le-Street.

But it was soft drinks only for the three 13-year-olds, who decided to attempt the C2C challenge after John's aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Richard's mother, Debbie, is also an active supporter of the charity.

Ms McDonough praised the three cyclists and their achievement.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to Richard, John and Jonathan for their tremendous efforts cycling across the country. They have raised a fantastic amount to help the work of the Marie Curie nurses.

"They are 13 and it is great that three young people should give up three days of their school holiday to do this."

She said the money would go towards home nursing care for cancer patients.