POLICE staff took on the challenge to get on their bikes and raised more than £900 for two good causes.

Last Monday, Chief Inspector Craig Carrington was joined by six officers and police staff in a 105 mile bike ride across Braintree and Uttlesford.

Inspectors Colin Cox and Mick Couldrige, Sergeants Tim Scott and Tom Bastendorff, Pc James Draper, PCSO Dave Endersby and accountant Ian Douglas joined Craig during for the ride.

The team have so far raised £943 for Home-Start Witham, Braintree and Halstead and Mencap, with donations still rolling in.

Sergeant Tim Scott said: "I came up with the idea and originally suggested it to the boss but he delegated out to us as well which is what he is good at.

"We have all got a bit of an interest in cycling although some of us have not been doing it for so long. It was considerably further than any of us had ridden before.

"Health and wellbeing is quite a thing in the force at the moment and the fact it was for the charity gave another reason for us to do it.

"Part of the idea was to demonstrate how big the area we cover is."

Craig has been collecting sponsorship from colleague, friends and family and officers from both Colchester and Braintree police stations held cake sales to raise extra cash.

He said: "The team have done a great job supporting two fantastic local causes, both on and off the bike.

“This was an opportunity for those of us, who serve the Braintree and Uttlesford area, to show how we value our community, whether it was jumping on a bike and cycling 105 miles or holding a bake sale to assist with fundraising.

“I’m proud to lead such a determined and hardworking team.”

To donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CCCC.