A GROUP of health club bosses have donned their Lycra and set off on an epic cycling challenge.

The Bannatyne Group’s directors undertaking the Tour de Bannatyne called into the Darlington headquarters en route from Inverness to Eastbourne.

They were met by colleagues, health club members and family as they arrived at the Haughton Road health club, 339 miles into their charitable journey.

Inspired by the Tour de France, the five directors, Justin Musgrove, Anthony Elliott, Ken Campling, Steve Hancock and Ed James left Inverness on Saturday, July 8, and are cycling the 762 miles to Eastbourne.

Justin Musgrove, chief executive at Bannatyne Group, said: “Although the weather hasn’t been on our side, we have had some fantastic support from club members, staff and partners, some of whom have even joined us on their own bikes for part of the ride.”

The challenge is aimed at raising money for the group’s two chosen charities – Look Good Feel Better, which supports the wellbeing of women undergoing cancer treatment, and Operation Smile, which corrects cleft palates and facial deformities in third world countries.

They are due to finish in Eastbourne on Saturday.