A VOLUNTEER who cycled between all the community libraries in Ryedale to raise awareness of their plight - and cash for their upkeep - is planning next year’s challenge.

On April 1, Geoff Strangwood, 63, of Kirkbymoorside, cycled 60 miles on a tour of community-led libraries, including Helmsley, Norton, Pickering and Derwent Valley in Scarborough.

He said the ride took all day, but next year he will push for a higher distance of about 100 miles.

He said: “For the first 10 miles we were in driving rain,” he said. “Thankfully it stopped raining - but then the wind picked up. But it hasn’t put me off.”

His current fundraising total is £868.64 and some is still coming in. “Many thanks to everyone for all the help and support,” he added.

His cycle, on which he was accompanied by Pickering volunteers Pam Proctor and Eileen Hayward with support from Matt Cade, marked a year to the day since North Yorkshire County Council was forced to cut funding to local libraries and they began to be run and maintained by volunteers instead.

Across the county, almost 2,500 volunteers help to ensure that residents can access books, information and computers.