THE two-wheeled efforts of a Broadway GP and his son who cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End in aid of funds for the village library were applauded at a recent cheque presentation.

Dr Neil Townshend and his son, Ian, spent 10 days in the saddle for their 1,000-mile journey which had its highs and its lows but which raised £4,750 for the community library.

The pair self-funded the trip and carried all their own equipment.

The money they raised will go towards the newly-formed Broadway Community Library charitable trust which is run by volunteers with part-time help from a qualified librarian. The trust is responsible for running Broadway library which needs between £10,000 and £12,000 each year to keep open.

The library was at risk of closure and it is only through the work of the trust over the past 18 months that the village and surrounding district still has a viable, fully functioning hub. The library is a vital resources for young and old delivering services across both printed and electronic media.

Speaking after handing over the cheque at the Lygon Arms, in Broadway, Dr Townshend said he and his son thoroughly enjoyed the journey though it was pretty tough in places.

"Glencoe was definitely the most difficult. We were cycling in driving rain and the temperature was just three degrees. As we walked into the pub, dripping wet, everyone moved away from the fire to let us get near and thaw out but even after a hot chocolate drink and a fish and chips meal I was still shaking with cold half an hour later.

"One of the highs was when a Scottish stranger came up to me in a pub one evening, asked if we were doing the John O'Groats to Land's End cycle ride and handed me a ten pound note for our cause."

Dr Townshend thanked all his sponsors and said he had not ruled out taking part in a further charity cycle ride and has been considering the length of France as a future challenge.