CANCER survivors and sufferers got on their bikes to raise funds for research to beat the disease.

The 300-strong field in the Durham Cycle for Life event yesterday included many entrants who have overcome or are fighting cancer.

Everyone who set off from Meadowfield Sports Centre near Durham completed the undulating 30 kilometre course, mainly off-road in the Deerness and Wear valleys.

Some participants reached the finish line at the sports centre in about 75 minutes.

Among the riders were Peter Howe and family, from Normanby on Teesside, who include three generations of cancer survivors, plus Joy Raine, who is undergoing chemotherapy to beat cancer.

Joy, 59, and friend Joan Holdsworth, from Durham, have set themselves three challenges this year to aid cancer charities.

They recently completed the Darlington Race for Life and plan to take part in the Great North Run in October.

Helen Gill, of Cancer Research UK, said the event, one of 12 being held nationwide, backed by sponsors Raleigh, the Milk Marketing Board and cereal manufacturer Kelloggs, raised about £20,000, which this year will be particularly channelled towards research into men's cancers.