PEDAL power may have given a leading cancer charity a £12,000 boost to its fight against the disease.

Yesterday, 185 cyclists of all ages and abilities took part in Cancer Research UK's Cycle for Life, following a 15-mile route through the countryside around Durham City.

The event was one of 18 being held across the country to raise funds for research.

The first to complete the course, which started and finished at Meadowfield Leisure Centre, was Richard Cliff, 43, of Long Eaton, Derbyshire.

He is on holiday, staying with his in-laws at Spennymoor, County Durham, and decided to enter after reading about the ride in The Northern Echo.

Mr Cliff, a keen cyclist, took about an hour to complete the route.

He said: "It was bumpy and it was tough. I was on a racing bike as opposed to an off-road bike.

"I saw it in the paper. A friend of mine died of cancer and I thought it was ideal and I'd have a go.''

Jason Roche, a 32-year-old blind man from Peterlee, County Durham, completed the course in about one and a half hours riding on a tandem bike with Enid Dalton, of Easington Action Team for Jobs.

Ms Dalton, who is helping Mr Roche find work, said: "I wouldn't exactly say it was part of the service but I was glad to help and I promised Jason I would do a cycle ride with him.''

Mr Roche, who has been involved in several charity cycling events, including a coast-to-coast ride in aid of the Clark Lister Brain Haemorrhage Foundation, said: "I love cycling and I'm really pleased to be involved in this event.

"The Action Team are great and Enid has been brilliant getting everything organised in a week.''

Organiser Melanie Heath said: "We got about 25 to 30 cyclists turning up on the day. It has been fantastic. The support we got from Durham City Council was amazing.

"We had about the same number of riders last year and we got about £12,000 so, hopefully, we'll receive the same amount this year.''

The only medical problems were a rider who had a grazed knee and another who was stung by a wasp.

Following the ride entertainment was provided. Riders could also have a massage or take part in a grooming session.