A TEAM of North Yorkshire cyclists raised thousands for the Air Ambulance by completing a gruelling charity ride.

The 20-strong team, which included five employees of temperature controlled distribution company Reed Boardall in Boroughbridge, took part in the inaugural ‘Tour de Taproom’ bike ride.

Starting from The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn-in-Elmet, the team undertook the 62-mile ride to Bridlington in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They have already succeeded in raising over £4,000, with hopes that this may reach £5,000.

Stevland Town, of Reed Boardall, said: “It was a great teambuilding event, bringing together people of varying abilities, but we did plenty of training beforehand and, with lots of encouragement, we all completed the ride in under four and a half hours.

“Many thanks to everyone who took part or supported us – it was a fantastic way of helping Yorkshire Air Ambulance to continue saving lives throughout the region, and we look forward to an even bigger event next year.”