FOUR intrepid cyclists tackled three days of tough off-road riding to help hospital patients.

The friends, all from Ripon, covered 100 miles of the North York Moors in aid of the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

The big-hearted mountain bikers - Paul Hardcastle, Phil Dowland, Ashley Fryer and Kevin Hardcastles - raised £1,114 for the aromatherapy service at the hospital's Mowbray Suite.

Their friend, Jo McKay, was a patient at the suite, which looks after cancer sufferers and patients needing medical day case treatment.

The aromatherapy service helps patients relax and unwind at a difficult time in their lives

Aromatherapist Kathryn Almond said: "Our aromatherapy service is entirely dependent on donations, so we are very grateful for any help we receive.

"The generosity of local people never ceases to amaze me and I would like to thank the riders and everyone who generously supported them for helping us."