A GROUP of young people have raised over £2,600 with a series of challenges.

Members of Pelton Youth Project, near Chester-le-Street, walked, cycled and rowed in memory of one of their founders, Arthur Willis, who lost his year-long battle with cancer a year ago.

They walked nine from Consett to Pelton, rode 25 miles from Consett to Roker and rowed 11 miles across Lake Windermere.

Project manager Thomas Jones said: “The activities were physically challenging for all involved, but all of our group completed all of the activities.

The row in particular was challenging, but all managed to complete.

“Young people enjoyed the cycle most of all, and our group are looking at our next fundraising activities to be involving cycling.”

The money raised will be split between the project and Cancer Research UK.

Mr Willis, who was born in Fencehouses, and raised in Pelton Fell, was part of a team of youth workers who founded the project in 2008.

Mr Jones said: “He was the kind of person who knew and spoke to everyone in the community, with the most amazing sense of humour, that he was very well known for.

“Arthur gave our youth work sessions so much life with his infectious character and his humour.”