A MARATHON bike ride completed by a team from a Newton Aycliffe factory has raised £2,741 for special needs children.

The cyclists from 3M Aycliffe completed the coast-to-coast ride for Rosebank School in Ferryhill.

Members of the team presented a cheque to headteacher Sue Stubbs, who described it as a "magnificent amount". She said: "The money is going to be earmarked for particular items, such as a new video camera and sensory equipment for the pupils."

The 145-mile ride from Workington to Sunderland was completed earlier in the year by 13 people.

Paul Richardson, who organised the ride, said: "We are all delighted to have raised so much. We have been organising charity cycle marathons at the site since 1997 and this is the highest total yet."