CYCLISTS from Yorkshire Building Society have raised more than £7,000 for Marie Curie by completing a 180-mile coast-to-coast bike ride.

The 20-strong group set off on the second stage of their challenge from Yorkshire Drive, off Rooley Lane, in Bradford yesterday morning, pedalling their way through to Blackpool to finish the ride.

The money will go towards the society's Hour of Need campaign, covering 350 hours of nursing care.

Since the initiative began in June last year, more than £350,000 has been raised towards a £500,000 target, funding around 17,500 hours of care by Marie Curie nurses.

Jane Curwen, problem manager at Yorkshire Building Society, said: "The coast-to-coast bike ride promised to be a tough challenge, but the thought of sore legs and aching backs was nothing when you think how hard each and every Marie Curie Nurse works every day.

"We’re really proud to have taken part in this fundraising ride, and I hope as many people as possible will spare what they can to help a fantastic charity which supports so many people with a terminal illness."

Visit www.justgiving.com/hourofneed to donate.