SIX North-East employees from Interserve have completed a 265 mile London to Paris bike ride, raising more than £12,000 for a children’s charity.

After completing their gruelling thee day bike ride the six employees were invited to visit a project in Redcar which will benefit from the funds they have raised.

One of the team, Rob Soulsby, said “When the London to Paris cycle team decided to support The Children’s Foundation, we had no idea that we would be able to meet some of the children and young people who are supported by one of the charity’s projects.”

His colleague Claire Byron said “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do and I am proud of myself for achieving it. The feeling of relief as I crossed the finish line was immense.”

Libby Nolan, fundraising manager at Newcastle-based Children’s Foundation said: “Support from local businesses such as Interserve, allows us the opportunity to make a difference to children and young people across the region.

"We are able to reach over 29,500 children in the North-East - helping the children that other charities don’t always reach.”

The team saw how the Children’s Foundation supports different groups by visiting The LINK CIC in Redcar, which runs a performing arts group for pre-school children who need additional support.

Interserve is an international support services and construction group which has offices in Newcastle and Stockton.