CYCLING enthusiasts today (Friday April 17) handed over a cheque of £1,000 to a hospice as they prepare to take to the saddle again for their latest fundraising drive.

Prison worker Mark Jones applied to the Prison Services’ Charitable Trust for £1,000 to give to the Willow Burn Hospice, in Lanchester.

In September Mr Jones will go on a Coast to Coast charity cycle ride organised by lorry driver John Geoghegan.

Mr Geoghegan and friend Stephen Morrison took up cycling to lose weight and in 2012 did a C2C ride for charity – raising £2000 for charity.

The event snowballed over the years and this September 55 riders will be taking part.

Mr Geoghegan said: “We are starting to get ready for this year. So far various charities have benefited to the tune of £16,000.”

He added: “Last year Andrew Heppell contacted supermarkets in Consett and secured donations in the form of food and drinks from Lidl, Tesco and Morrisons.

“For the third year running, Elddis Transport have donated a support vehicle and this year are also supplying an lorry to transport all of the bikes from Consett to Whitehaven.

“Elddis managing director Nigel Cook will also be taking part.”

For further information contact Mr Geoghegan on 07729-299797.