TWO vicars and a former policeman completed a marathon coast to coast cycle ride in aid of local good causes this week.

The Rev Bruce Harrison, rector of St Margaret's Church, Brotton, the Rev Graham Pacey, rector of All Saints' in Skelton, and Dave Lister, who is now team leader of education and social services for Redcar and Cleveland, expect to raise more than £3,000 between them.

The trio set off from Morecambe Bay on Monday lunchtime and arrived at the Ship Inn, Saltburn, shortly after 2pm on Wednesday to be greeted by cheers from family, friends and colleagues.

Mr Harrison, who was riding to raise cash for the tower fund at St Margaret's, said: "I have never done anything like this before and I really enjoyed it."

Mr Pacey, whose fundraising efforts will go towards the refurbishment of the porch at All Saints', agreed: "I thought it was absolutely fantastic; it was very enjoyable. There was torrential rain when we set off but within half an hour the sun came out and stayed out for the rest of the time."

Mr Lister's chosen charity was Saltburn Animal Rescue Association. He said: "We had an excellent reaction along the way. We stayed at the Black Bull in Northallerton on Tuesday night and when we went to pay the bill in the morning, the landlady gave us £20 back to go into the funds."

The fourth member of the team was support driver Craig Wood. Originally from Pasadena, Mr Wood has lived in Skelton for the last three years and is a member of the congregation at All Saints' Church.

The three cyclists said they were now considering further fundraising adventures.

Mr Pacey said: "Our back-up team has suggested that next year we do three mountains in three different countries in three days - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - but unless somebody comes up with a lot of money, I don't think we will be tempted."