Bus drivers from Lancashire set aside their cross-border differences to support their Keighley co-workers' fundraising.

Lancashire United Metal Pushers cycling group rode from Blackburn to Keighley to present £1,000 to three Keighley busmen who are cycling from John o' Groats to Land's End. The 15 bus drivers, who are employed by Lancashire United (Blackburn Depot), cycled 127 miles along the Leeds-Liverpool canal on May 4 and 5.

Craig Rawcliffe, of Blackburn, said: "The 127-mile cycle was a real challenge -- it is a very bumpy path and was wet after a period of rain.

"We did however soldier on and while ending the challenge covered in mud we all managed to complete the distance and come out relatively unscathed."

Brian Thorpe said: "Here at Keighley we are delighted with the effort shown by our colleagues from over the border in Lancashire, like us they too have lost colleagues, friends and family to cancer so we are in this together really.

"I am over the moon with this latest donation -- £1,000 is a big, big boost. We are still struggling to get donations of that amount."

The three busmen are raising money for Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder Care by the marathon ride, starting on September 6.

Sponsorship forms can be found in the travel office in Keighley bus station or people can call Brian on 01535 602878 or 07811 190747.