A TEAM of refinery workers has been helping dreams come true by taking part in a triathlon in the French Alps.

Through their efforts, BP Wilton, Teesside, workers Phil Connor, Carl Slatter, Lisa Price and Peter Brazukas, raised more than £6,500 for the Wooden Spoon Society, a charity that benefits disadvantaged youngsters.

The BP Warriors competed against 16 other teams in canoeing, running, hiking and cycling.

The hike was an eight- mile trek over the top of Col de la Forclaz. Twenty six miles later the team crossed the finish line, in overall ninth position.

Carl Slatter, a manufacturing engineer at the site, said: "We all had a fantastic time at the event. We had prepared well enough but felt the tiredness for a few days afterwards, however we all feel proud to have been able to raise such a tremendous amount for this worthwhile cause and we all want to participate next year circumstances permitting."

Local businesses such as Roevin Management Services, of Middlesbrough, sponsored the team.

Due to BP's Matched Giving Scheme, the Roevin contribution of £250 was doubled to £500 as were all other donations.

The money raised by the BP Warriors will go towards projects to build respite care centres for disabled children, playgrounds for children with learning and physical disabilities and a family cancer care unit at Stoke Mandeville hospital.