TWO pensioners from York have cycled across four European countries in four days to raise money for charity.

Ann and Keith Benton, from Wigginton, were both determined to celebrate their birthdays by completing the 362-mile ride from London to Luxembourg for the first time.

Ann said: “We are both 70 years old in October and this challenge to raise funds for the work of Christian Aid in helping others less fortunate than ourselves seemed an appropriate way to celebrate.

“The longest leg from Douai to Charlesville Meziers near the Belgian border was the toughest, not only in terms of distance, but it was into a headwind the whole time.”

Sixteen cyclists took part in the challenge, and cycled from London to Dover, then took a ferry to Calais, before cycling through Belgium to Luxembourg City.

The group cycled between 73 and 107 miles per day and hoped to raise a total of £20,000 for Christian Aid.

“We had a party with our family, and asked them not to give us presents, but to donate to the ride instead,” said Ann.

“We have to raise £2,200 between us, and I think we’re at about the £1,500 or £1,800 mark now. We would definitely do it again, I really enjoyed it and it was extremely well organised.”

Libby Gordon, challenge events fundraising officer for Christian Aid, said: “It was great to see such a wide variety of people from young to slightly older taking part in the ride, especially since it was the first year Christian Aid had done this route”.

To help Ann and Keith raise the rest of their funds for the charity, visit http://original.justgiving.com/annandkeithbenton