A TEAM of refinery workers has been helping dreams come true by taking part in a multi-sports event in the French Alps.

Phil Connor, Carl Slatter, Lisa Price and Peter Brazukas, from BP Wilton, Teesside, raised more than £6,500 for the Wooden Spoon Society, a charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters.

They competed against 16 other teams in canoeing, running, hiking and cycling.

The hike was an eight-mile trek over the top of Col de la Forclaz, which the team decided could only be descended safely by sliding on their bottoms through mud.

Twenty six miles later, the team crossed the finish line, in ninth position.

Mr Slatter, a manufacturing engineer, said: "We all had a fantastic time. We had prepared well enough, but felt the tiredness for a few days afterwards.

"However, we all feel proud to have been able to raise such a tremendous amount for this worthwhile cause, and we all want to participate next year."

Local businesses, including Roevin Management Services, of Middlesbrough, sponsored the team.

Due to BP's Matched Giving Scheme, the Roevin contribution of £250 was doubled to £500, as were all other donations.

The money raised will go towards such projects as a respite care centre for disabled children.