A TEESDALE innkeeper has helped raise nearly £1,500 after taking on a cycling challenge with fellow publicans.

Thomas Robinson, owner of The Rose & Crown, in Romaldkirk, Teesdale, was one of several innkeepers to join forces with BBC antiques expert James Braxton and the Earl of Leicester on a gruelling 325km charity cycling tour last week.

From April 24 to 26, members and friends of The Great Inns of Britain set about completing the inaugural Great Inns Northern Cycle Tour.

The group set off from The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire and finished at the White Horse & Griffin in Whitby.

The three-day cycling event, organised by The Great Inns of Britain, raises money for Yorkshire’s largest Hospice, St Gemma’s Hospice.

The hospice provides expert care and support for local people with terminal illnesses.

The route took in six of The Great Inns of Britain across the north of England and was split into five stages.

Simon Heaton, owner of Shibden Mill Inn and chairman of The Great Inns of Britain said: “We’re really keen to promote the idea of cycling tours based at the Great Inns or routes between some of them and we’re delighted to be able to do this whilst supporting such a fantastic cause as St Gemma’s Hospice.”

To sponsor the cyclists visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheGreatInnsOfBritain