BOBBIES got on their bikes to raise £3,000 for charity in a marathon ride.

A team of 12 Cleveland Police officers and friends made the 100-mile coast-to-coast trip to help fund treatment for eight-year-old Katie Rawson.

Among the participants was the Redcar girl's policeman dad Les.

Marathon bike rides are an annual event for organiser Sergeant Dave Lister, who works with the Saltburn Rotary Club for different causes. This year, after hearing about Katie, he thought she would be the ideal choice.

The team undertook the gruelling ride, from Silverdale, on the west coast, to Saltburn on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year.

Cash from the trip, which every member of the team completed, will be used to pay for treatment at the British Institute for Brain Injured Children, in Somerset, to help Katie overcome severe learning difficulties.

PC Rawson said: "It costs about £3,000 a year and we take Katie down four times a year. Her quality of life has improved drastically - she's able to communicate her needs and get around a lot better.

"Without the support of friends, family and several local companies, Katie wouldn't be able to receive her treatment."