CHARITY cyclists have exceeded their fundraising target by £5,000 after a 1,000-mile bike ride.

The seven chemical workers pedalled 1,029 miles to complete the marathon journey from Land's End, Cornwall, to John O'Groats, Scotland.

Now the team members from Lucite International, Billingham, have handed over cheques to three charities at the firm's headquarters.

The £15,0000 raised in sponsorship has been divided between Cancer Research UK, Stockton's Butterwick Hospice and the Charlie Bear for Cancer Care, based at Newcastle General Hospital.

Team manager Alan Marsh said: "We're all keen cyclists and we've done some long rides before, but this was our toughest and without doubt the most rewarding.

"I was always confident we could complete the journey and the whole team is thrilled that, as a result, we are able to make substantial donations to our three chosen charities.

"It means that we have covered the whole range of cancer care, from research to treatment, through to palliative care."

Their journey began on Sunday, May 22, when they set off from Land's End, and finished at John O'Groats on eight days later.

Anne Cooling, of Butterwick Hospice Care, said: "The dedication of all the guys has been phenomenal and I would like to thank each of them on behalf of the hospice.

"The money they have given will help us to continue caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses."