FAMILIES pedalled a well-worn route in a charity cycle ride.

People taking part in Cycle4Sight set off from the car park at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, to complete part of the Coast-to-Coast route, returning to the same spot.

They tackled the 15-mile circuit on Sunday to raise money for Sight Savers International, the UK's leading sight preservation charity, providing eye care services to about 25 countries.

Cyclists were asked to raise sponsorship or pay an entry fee of £2.50 each, or £5 per family. The event was supported by St John Ambulance and Rotarians.

Participants received a certificate.

Mike Beardsley, Sight Savers' regional organiser, said: "The Cycle4Sight effort is a most appropriately named project.

"The money raised will restore the sight and hence improve the lives of thousands in some of the poorest areas of the world."