VOLUNTEERS from across Teesside have taken part in a cycling marathon to raise money for charity.

Five care homes in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool covered hundreds of miles on static bikes in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Staff, residents, family, friends and volunteers from across the region took turns in the saddle to clock up 713 miles – more than double the original 300 mile target.

The homes - Queens Meadow in Hartlepool, Mandale House in Thornaby, The Gables in Middlesbrough, and Ingleby and The Beeches in Stockton - raised £559 for the charity.

The endurance challenge is in support of Wendy Waddicor, managing director of Hill Care, which owns the five homes.

She will aim to complete a 300 mile cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, and her fundraising efforts have pushed her total to over £3,000 so far.

“I’m incredibly proud of our homes going to such an effort to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is a charity close to the hearts of everyone at Hill Care,” she said

“They covered an incredible distance throughout the week and have raised an astonishing amount of money, which will help fund research and education.

“I’d also l thank all those volunteers who gave up their time to take part in the challenge, including our staff who came in on their days off, bringing their families and friends to take turns on the bikes.

“The support our homes receive in the North East is incredible and means so much to our residents and staff.”