THREE friends have completed a coast-to-coast cycle ride of nearly 140 miles in memory of a close friend.

Richard Bennington, co-owner of The George at Wath, near Ripon, joined his head chef, Gavin Swift and pal Darren Nunns for the 134 mile trip.

The team cycled from Morecambe Bay to Robin Hoods Bay as a tribute to Guy Drew, a close friend of Mr Bennington's who died of cancer in October 2010, aged 50.

Mr Bennington said: “Supported by his wife, Annie and his friends and family, he would never complain about his turn of fortune, he was inspirational.

“If he could overcome his daily pains, what's 140 miles between friends?”

Their initial target was to raise £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support, but via their 'justgiving' site and with donations from various organisations they are facing a total nearer £1,400.

Head chef Mr Swift, frm West Burton, Wensleydale, added: “The ride went exceptionally well in spite of our limited training.

"There were times in the face of freezing wind, sleet and uphill slogs, when any one of us could have given in but in the back of our minds we knew the people we were raising money for face a much harder journey than our short ride.

“And that pulled each one of us along to Robin Hoods Bay.”

Donations can still be made via The George at Wath or online at justgiving.com/wathdoescoast2coast