A TEAM of cyclists have raised thousands of pounds for charity after completing a gruelling 90-mile ride across the county.

The 38-strong group of employees from Hampshire County Council, public services provider Amey and a host of local suppliers got on their bikes for the ‘Saddle Up’ challenge, which saw the riders visit Amey’s depots in Totton, Bishop’s Waltham, Petersfield and Hook.

The route, which took eight-and-a-half hours to complete, raised more than £5,000 for Naomi House children’s hospice.

Amey’s parent company, Ferrovial, donated a further £2,318 to the hospice, taking the total raised to more than £7,300.

David Ogden, account director for Amey in Hampshire, said: “It was a fantastic but challenging day, with cyclists of all abilities participating to support Naomi House.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves and the day was an amazing achievement, especially as this is the first event of this kind that we have organised.

“I thank everyone that took part and also to all the people behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to pull the bike ride together.”