CYCLISTS who tackled a 550-mile bike ride to the "most famous cycling town in the world" have raised about £3,000 for charity.

The 11-strong group pedalled from Bradford to Roubaix and back in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research and Bradford-based Cycling 4 All.

They met Sir Gary Verity, the man who led the successful campaign for the Yorkshire-based Grand Départ of the 2014 Tour de France, during their trip, and also enlisted a local from Roubaix to take part in the challenge next year.

One of the riders, Adam Tasker, who runs Cycling 4 All, said: "It was really good, really great - it was fantastic. Everyone that came along was really enthusiastic and everyone could ride really well.

"We reckon we have raised about £3,000 and it will be split half and half between the two good causes. I want to say a big thank you to everyone for fundraising. It has been a pleasure to get to know everyone."

Mr Tasker and fellow rider George Herd, who is disabled and did the challenge on a hand bike, met Sir Gary and shook his hand.

"It was amazing," said Mr Tasker. "He asked us what we were doing and shook our hands.

"We also met the Mayor of Roubaix and presented a beautiful carved boar's head from the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

"The people in Roubaix were brilliant and really friendly. We met a chap in Roubaix, called Olivier, who wants to come to Bradford next year and ride back with us."

The group also laid two poppy wreaths from Bowling Park Primary School pupils at the Menin Gate, in memory of former Bradford Northern rugby players who died in World War One.

On the money raised, Mr Tasker said: "Half of the money will go towards disabled cycling and towards electrifying two hand bikes to allow disabled people to cycle.

"It is massive for Cycling 4 All because money is hard to come by. We are only small, we have no fundraising team or anything like that.

"It really benefits us having people that we don't really know come out and raise money for us."

Unfortunately, one of the group, Hannah Stoneman, was the victim of theft during the trip and had items such as her helmet, cycling shoes, wallet and satellite navigation system stolen.

The group's route saw them cycle to Hull to catch an overnight ferry to Bruges, before a ride to Roubaix. They arrived back at the Pavilion Cafe in City Park, Bradford, on Tuesday evening.

Mr Tasker said: "The Pavilion has been fantastic. They put food on at the start and the finish and have supported us all the way through."

To sponsor the cyclists, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheHellOfTheNorthRiders.