AFTER cycling the length of the country for charity, Stewart Hurst wanted nothing more than a pint of his favourite beer.

Mr Hurst, from Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, completed the 970-mile ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Averaging more than 65 miles per day, he helped the Crown Inn pub raise more than £6,000 for the charity.

Mr Hurst decided to do the sponsored ride after a friend died of cancer.

"When I decided to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats, Marie Curie was the first charity that I thought of as it means a great deal to me,'' he said.

"The money I raised will help to provide care for people who have cancer.

"The journey took me 16 days to complete, but it was well worth it and when I finally finished my journey I could think of nothing better than sitting down to a pint of Stones back at the Crown Inn."

Mr Hurst's ride tied in with a fundraising weekend at the pub in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, which included a raffle, sponsored dominoes and cards, and a sponsored football match between the pub team and a veterans side.

Landlord Ian Lish, who organised the events, said: "The weekend was great fun and, what's more, it raised a lot of money for a very worthy cause.

"Stewart did a great job but he'll have to do something exceptionally special next time to top this."