AS part of fundraising for Compassion UK, Romsey Baptist Church organised a cycle ride around the Isle of Wight.

After a number of training sessions in all types of weather, members took to their saddles on May 12.

A keen group of 35 cyclists ageing from teenagers upwards, and a large number of support vehicles equipped with water, food and plasters, crossed over from Lymington to Yarmouth.

The group embarked on their route around the coast by bike. There were three possible routes to take – the coastal route, the ice-cream route and the Mars bar route – depending on age and fitness.

The fastest rider completed the coastal ride in 5 hours and 30 minutes, which included drink stops and comfort stops. All of the rider completed their chosen route through some only just managed to arrive for the final calls for the ferry.

Church minister, Jonathan Beer, said: “It was such good fun, though hard work. I hope that it can be completed again in the future, and I hope a large amount has been raised for Compassion UK.”