FREEMASONS raised thousands of pounds for a children's rugby charity during more than six hours of cycling.

In total £2,975 was raised for the Wooden Spoon charity as 30 riders took part in the relay-style challenge on indoor bikes.

Some of those taking part cycled up to 110 miles as the group from The Lodge of XV covered 1,610 miles in total.

A £300 donation was also made to the lodge's own development fund for youngsters in local teams to help buy training clothes and equipment.

John Smillie, first team captain at Braintree Rugby Club organised the event and said: "It was a great tribute to the power of rugby and its values.

"Members from teams, who normally battle it out against each other, came together for the good of another cause.

"Freemasonry is very much misunderstood but I hope the people who visited us on the day see the good that is done by these lodges.

"Our thanks to everyone who took part and also Luke Nash and Dean Stonestreet, the owners of Indoor Revolution."