CYCLISTS battled hurricane winds and sleep deprivation to complete a gruelling 244-mile route from the North-East to the UK’s most westerly point.
Trimdon and Thornley Cllr Peter Brookes and five fellow riders pedalled their way from County Durham to Belleek, in Northern Ireland, in 20 hours and 17 minutes of cycling time.
Cllr Brookes said: “I’m pleased we did it despite the conditions and I’m really pleased with the response.”
BATTLE: Riders Neil O'Connor and Cllr Peter Brookes demonstrate the force of the winds at Killhope, in Weardale
The team set off on Thursday morning from Nenthead, in Cumbria, after being confronted with reported winds of 100mph at their planned starting point of Killhope, in Weardale.
From there they travelled to Stranraer to catch a delayed ferry before embarking on the last leg of their journey at 3am.
The weary cyclists arrived at the Irish border at 2.20pm on Friday.
Organised annually in aid of Durham County Council chairman’s charity, the event this year has raised about £1,000 for the Royal British Legion.
To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-brookes8
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here