A MEMORIAL bike ride to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance raised £3,690.

Family and friends of Kelvin McGibbon, 27, from Brompton, Northallerton, organised the event to give themselves a focus after he died in an accident at work last year.

His girlfriend Melissa Watson said the bike ride, which set off from Northallerton High Street on Sunday, May 11, was a great success with about 80 riders taking part.

She said: “There were two different routes – 50 miles or 100 miles – but they both followed part of the route the Tour de France will take later this year.

“The longer route went as far as Hawes and over the Buttertubs before returning to Northallerton, while the shorter one went through Bedale, Scorton and back to Northallerton.

“Kelvin's family, friends and I are completely heartbroken from losing Kelvin, he is always in our thoughts and organising this ride has been something else to try and focus on.

“The support received so far has been overwhelming and we would like to thank everyone for their kindness and all the donations received.

“We are thrilled to raise so much for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”