A group of Bradford youngsters converted pedal power into cash by getting on their bikes to raise money for cancer research.

The 16 youngsters and four workers from West Bowling youth initiative spent three months planning a sponsored cycle ride from Bowness-in-Windermere to Bradford.

And now they have handed over a cheque for £2,100 to the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal, after successfully completing the gruelling ride.

Receiving the money, Gille Andrews, Bradford Can...appeal director, said: "We often cast aspersions on young people of today, but here is a fine example of how young people can do something positive and raise money for the appeal. We should celebrate our young people who wanted to organise and take part in a big project like this. We should also celebrate their stamina."

Senior youth worker Nazaket Ali, who took part in the sponsored cycle ride, said: "The trip was unbelievable, it is one of the best things that I have been involved with and we have a great sense of achievement. We begged and borrowed the bikes and started our trip in Bowness with an overnight stay in Kettlewell.

"It was great to spend some quality time with the young people, who also took part in workshops about cancer and how it can affect the community and health."

The money, which will be match funded by Sovereign Healthcare, will boost the appeal, which aims to raise £1m for cancer research in Bradford, which will then trigger a further £5m from The Cancer Research Campaign, for pioneering research at The University of Bradford's Cancer Research Unit and also patient trials of anti-cancer drugs at the Bradford Royal Infirmary.