A BARCLAYS Okehampton employee recently took part in a bike ride in aid of The British Heart Foundation.

Pauline Taylor, a personal banker for Barclay's Bank, cycled a sponsored 50-mile circuit in Wimbourne, Dorset, raising £308 for the charity.

The funds will help the charity care for patients and families, aid research and provide vital information to help people care for their own heart.

The charity said: 'When you donate to the BHF, you're not only giving money to a good cause. You're saving lives! Please pass on our thanks to all those who sponsored you. Your donation really does count.'

Hundreds of people took part in the bike ride which is an annual event.

Pauline's mother had heart surgery in February and has now fully recovered.

Pauline said: 'I'd like to say a big thank you to all the wonderful people who sponsored me. British Heart Foundation are a fantastic charity — and if it wasn't for them, mum wouldn't be here.

'This is a lovely example of Barclays staff working closely with the local community to achieve something which we hope will make a real and lasting difference.'