A DEDICATED team of fundraisers cycled for 800 miles to different care homes across the country in a bid to raise money.

Residents and staff at Larkland house in Ascot took part in a fundraising drive as part of Care UK's pledge to raise thousands of pounds through Ride 800.

The care home hosted raffles and a tea party to raise money and a total of £19,000 has been raised, exceeding the £15,000 target.

Maggie Candy, home manager at Larkland House, said: "It is not every day that your care home residents get a visit from three directors who arrive on cycles dressed head to toe in lycra.

"We had a wonderful time talking to them and relieving our own memories of cycling. I would like to wish Jacqui, Tony and Andrew the very best for the rest of their epic journey."

Residents at the care home decorated an old bicycle with an Ascot-themed flower display as a welcome gesture for the riders coming to visit.

As well as this, they were able to have a go on the 'very popular' supported cycle activity which allowed two people to cycle side by side with only one rider having to pedal.

Maggie joined Andrew Knight, Jacqui White and Tony Weedon to cycle 7.2 miles on one of the ride stages from the care home.

Andrew Knight, chief executive of Care UK, said: "Even though all three of us have been putting in the training hours, I think it is fair to say that the reality of such a challenge is becoming very real and it has been a true test of our endurance both mentally and physically.

"A big motivating factor has been the inspiring efforts of the homes we are visiting and their creativity and energies in planning special fund-raising events and activities."

Those who took part in the 800 mile challenge spent 15 days cycling from Poole to Aberdeen where the care homes are located to raise money for the Care Workers Charity, the Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CareUKRide800 to sponsor the Care UK Ride 800 team.