A team of cyclists from Gloucestershire have handed over a total of £4,175 to charities close to their hearts.

The cyclists battled severe wet weather to complete a gruelling 250-mile cycle ride across the South West.

The Hills Of Hope - South West Hills cycling challenge took place in September 2022 from Land's End to Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire.

The cyclists were raising money for five charities and recently met with the fundraising team at Sue Ryder's Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham to hand over £1,200 of the total raised to the healthcare charity.

Started in 2017 by E G Carter and Co Ltd commercial manager, Craig Barnett, in memory of his brother, Heath, this was the sixth year the friends, business colleagues and partners had come together to complete an epic cycling challenge to raise vital funds.

This year's charity cycle took extra pedal power, with just under 20 hours' riding time completed in the rain and with an amber weather warning in place for parts of the region.

Cycling alongside Craig, was E G Carter and Co Ltd associate director, Peter Blanch, with support provided by Colin Mitchell, as well as business partners Allstone Speedy Skips commercial manager, Robin Heffter, and co-owner and director, Richard Street.

Craig Barnett from E G Carter said: "I am incredibly proud of our team of determined cyclists and support crew who, despite the treacherous weather, went on to complete the challenge, raising awareness and vital funds for some very worthy charities.

"This year was a particularly gruelling feat, especially when we reached Cornwall in darkness, where we had to tackle many small gravel single track roads.

"As always, we were driven by the fact we were taking on the challenge in memory of our loved ones and in support of each other."

Robin Heffter from Allstone Speedy Skips said: "This year was our most challenging yet, but I am delighted with the money we have raised for our five chosen charities - Sue Ryder, the Alzheimer's Society, Children with Cancer UK, Linc and Great Western Air Ambulance.

"Thank you to our customers and suppliers who have been showing us such great support by getting behind us and donating."