CHARITY cyclists have ridden past castles and coastline to raise much-needed funds for charity.

Students from Carmel College, in Darlington, rode more than 200 miles from Edinburgh to Darlington to raise £1,100 for St Teresa's Hospice.

The free-wheeling feat was supported by Vauxhall motor dealer, Sherwoods, and its managing director Alasdair MacConachie, who is also chairman of the hospice said: “I think it is incredibly important to support fine young people like these in their endeavours and I was thrilled they wanted to complete this marathon ride to raise money for such a good cause.

“St Teresa’s Hospice continues to provide fabulous services for the people of Darlington and the surrounding area but the marvellous staff there can only do this with the unrelenting support of the community, for which we are very grateful.”

Carmel College teacher Simon Roberts said: “Carmel Cycling Club completed the Coast to Coast ride last year and members were looking for a fresh challenge.

“The group, aged ten to 17, did incredibly well riding such a huge distance on three consecutive days.”

Harry Carvey, 17, added: “Riding for such a worthy cause really spurred us on particularly when the going became tough.”

The ride was also organised by Darlington Borough Council’s Local Motion initiative.