A HOTEL’S intrepid team of cyclists have been back in the saddle to raise funds for Sir Ian Botham’s charity foundation.

This year, 20 staff from Rockliffe Hall near Darlington cycled the Way of the Roses from Morecambe to Bridlington, covering a total of 170 miles over three days.

The route took the Riders, who have been training since the start of the year, from Morecambe to Pateley Bridge onto Pocklington and then Bridlington, taking in part of Lancashire and most of Yorkshire.

Following the success of previous fundraising for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Rockliffe Hall has joined forces with Beefy’s Charity Foundation.

The foundation is known worldwide for raising funds for causes such as Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Battens Disease Family Association and other.

Sir Ian himself has completed hundreds of challenges, including his 14 charity walks across the globe, and has raised more than £13m since 1985.

Speaking about the Riders’ coast to coast challenge, Rockliffe Hall’s resort manager, Simon Roberts, said: “It was a really tough route this year - and not without incident.

“Thankfully everyone completed it without serious injury and we did have a lot of fun but- and this is the most important reason for doing it- we raised some vital funds for a brilliant cause.

“We’re now planning our next expedition.”

Sir Ian added: "The coast to coast is no mean feat.

“It really is quite a challenge.

“It’s great that the Rockliffe Hall gang are taking on different expeditions, like we do here at the Foundation, as it gives the fundraising a real focus.

“Well done to all those who took part and I’m looking forward to hearing what they have planned next!”