LAST Sunday, the Tavistock Wheelers turned their normal Sunday morning ride into a fund raising event for the 'Friends of Tavistock Wheelers.'

This aims to provide money to help young riders to buy essential kit or to support entry into cycling events. The club wish to encourage youngsters to enjoy cycling at a variety of levels and now has a very energetic and enthusiastic junior section, as well as a flourishing ladies section.

There are more than 100 members in total and the club really want to develop the youth section because they represent the future of the sport. Many of them have already had some experience of cycle races but it is hoped that this year has only been the beginning of a new chapter in Tavistock's cycling profile.

More than 30 riders braved the early sub-zero conditions to cover nearly 40 miles before eating their own weight in cakes at Brentor Village Hall.

The event was organised by Nicky Deane-Simmons and Lyndsay Hobbs and they were well supported by families and friends. Altogether, almost £200 was raised for this worthy cause and this included a generous donation from Steve McCarthy who is currently stationed near the Pakistan/Afganistan border. Sadly, Steve was unable to help demolish the lovely array of cakes but members were thinking of him!