A TEAM of cyclists are recovering after completing a gruelling charity ride.

The 21 friends completed the 185-mile ride from Edinburgh Castle to their local Chester-le-Street pub in two-and-a-half days.

By the time they returned to The Whitehills pub in Waldridge Road, the pals, aged 25 to 55, raised £10,000 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham.

Mark Worthy, one of the organisers, said: “It was a nightmare getting 21 hardworking lads together for a whole weekend but we did it and it was well worth it.

“We chose St Cuthbert’s Hospice because it is a very good local cause helping local people in Chester le Street.”

The team rode from Edinburgh to Berwick on day one, reached Ashington on day two and then came home to a heroes’ welcome on day three.

They were supported by local furniture shop owner Scott Walker, who transported the bikes to Scotland.

Co-organiser Paul Jamieson, who took part in memory of his grandmother Audrey Hockaday and aunt June Webster, said: “It was tough going at times but we all pulled together and helped each other out. I’d like to thank everyone who took part.

“I wanted to do this because of how St Cuthbert’s Hospice cared for my family.

“You couldn’t wish for a better place for someone to spend the last days of their life. It was lovely and clean and the staff were so warm and kind to all of us.”

Jade Mcardle, from St Cuthbert’s Hospice, joined hundreds of wellwishers at the pub to welcome them back.

She said: “This team of men have done really well and I think the whole of Chester le Street is proud of them.”