Help from a Good Samaritan on an ancient pilgrim’s route helped two cyclists return safely from a 1,170 mile adventure.

Alex Bearpark and David Wilkinson, both 21, were greeted by villagers in Pool-in-Wharfedale when they completed their Barcelona to Leeds fundraising challenge a week ahead of schedule.

The three-week cycle has raised at least £1,400 for the NSPCC, smashing the pair’s £1,000 target.

But the former Prince Henry’s Grammar School students might never have completed the three-country endurance test if it was not for an act of kindness in the south of France.

David, who like Alex is a sports and exercise science graduate, recalled when how cycling from Biarritz to Bordeaux a woman said they could get free shelter at a church as they had been travelling along an ancient pilgrims’ route.