MEMBERS of North Cotswolds Rotary Club took to the saddle to raise money for the club's four chosen charities for this year.

Thirteen members cycled 102 miles in six hours at an average speed of 17 miles per hour. Eleven Rotarians cycled for a half hour each, and two members for 15 minutes each, and a total of £800 was raised.

Club president Colin Gatenby said: “We thought we would try a static cycle event in Moreton on market day, because many people come to the market and that gives Rotary an opportunity to be seen and to raise some extra money for charity at the same time.

"Most of the money raised came from sponsorship obtained by club members, and we are most grateful to members for taking part and to all who generously sponsored the riders.”

Mr Gatenby cycled furthest in his allotted 30 minutes, a total of 10.4 miles, but the fastest average speed was 22.4 mph over 15 minutes.

He said: “This was not a race or a test of fitness; we were there to have fun in complete safety, and at the same time to help several good causes that the club is supporting this year.”

The four charities to benefit from the event are Gloucestershire Young Carers, mental health charity MIND, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Building Malawi, a charity that the club has been associated with for two years which helps to build schools and libraries in Malawi.