THREE intrepid Americans on a marathon cycle ride from Glasgow to Athens called in at a Middlesbrough hospital.

Brad Kennedy, Dan Sheret and Mitch Reinitz, all amputees, are taking part in the 32-day, "seize the day" discovery tour sponsored by Otto Bock Healthcare.

They want to raise awareness of what can be achieved by amputees and visited the disablement services centre at the James Cook University Hospital.

Brad Kennedy has a computer-controlled knee and both Mitch Reinitz and Dan Sheret are below the knee amputees and use prosthesis systems.

Centre manager Christine Willans said: "We are delighted to welcome the cyclists to our centre and wish them the very best of luck on their journey.

"We hope they enjoy their visit and get chance to experience some of the varied and scenic countryside and towns and villages on the way and to sample some of the local hospitality."