A WEST Devon man donned his helmet and took to the saddle to ride coast to coast across Devon, raising money for care organisation Havencare.

Horrabridge resident Andrew Lowther, 49, cycled for two days from Ilfracombe to Plymouth for the Plymouth charity, of which he is service manager. It supports people with learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour to live as independently as possible in their own homes or in residential care.

Andrew was joined on the ride by his colleague Sue Hewings and Sam Horsham, 19, a tenant with autism who is supported by Havencare.

Andrew said: 'It was a challenging but fantastic experience. We were very pleased with the encouragement and support we received — a group of service users with learning disabilities saw us off from the Harbour and were waiting for our return on Plymouth Hoe.

'Sam volunteered for the ride as soon as it was suggested and his determination to complete it was totally inspirational.

'Sam wanted to help raise funds to purchase electronic communication aids for others with learning disabilities and autism who are unable to use words to communicate.

'These aids are vital in helping them to make sense of their world and reduce the anxiety that so many people with autism experience.'

The cyclists were joined by various supporters along the ride.

'We were very pleased to be joined at Yelverton by another member of staff, Lee Millman, and by two daughters of workers from the charity — Chloe Glover, 9, who rode the eight miles to Coypool and Millie Bannister, 12, who rode 14 miles to the Hoe,' said Andrew.

'Between them they raised almost £150. We would like to thank everyone for the support we received.'

Andrew, Sue and Sam have so far raised more than £700 from the ride, and are expecting to reach £1,000 as the rest of the sponsorship money comes in.