FRIENDS from North Yorkshire have raised more than £6,000 for charity by cycling across the country.

The four-day trip, from Walney Island to Runswick Bay, was made to raise funds for Ryedale Special Families and the independent lifeboat at Runswick Bay, and was organised by Jason Aldrich, from Malton.

Mr Aldrich owns Croppers barbers in Saville Street, and decided to take on the challenge after undergoing minor surgery earlier this year and turning 40. He said: “I was looking for a challenge and called up friends from all over the country who jumped at the opportunity to show up their lack of fitness. It was tough, but really rewarding.

“We arrived in Runswick Bay around noon and were met by our families and friends.”

The group also included David Lindley, of estate agents Boulton and Cooper, Richard Mclane, of staircase designers Bisca, in Helmsley, and Ian Dunlop, of Hunter’s estate agents, in Haxby.

Mr Dunlop said: “We were helped with support vehicles from Ray Chapman Volvo driven by Marcus Aldrich, and the Durham Ox, at Crayke, who fed us along the way. Rob Wilson, of Action Printers in Clifton Green, printed some shirts for us. We’ve totalled up the amount we’ll be presenting to the charity in December, and it’s already more than £6,000.”

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/walney2runwick