FUNDRAISERS from a North-East police force braved torrential rain to raise more than £1,000 in a tough cycle ride.

For the past five years, a squad of charity riders from Cleveland Police has undertaken an annual cycle ride from coast to coast to raise money for good causes.

This year, the cyclists' three-day journey from St Bees Head, in Cumbria to Saltburn, east Cleveland, was one of the most arduous they have faced.

PC Colin Hill, a member of the squad, said the 242-mile expedition did not follow conventional routes.

He said: "The challenge is part of the fun of it. We do a lot of off-road stuff and whatever is put before us we will take on."

The group raised £1,112 for Teesside Hospice and the money will be handed over to hospice officials at Thornaby police station today.