A GROUP of cyclists from Braintree joined hundreds of fellow enthusiasts in raising thousands of pounds for charity during a special challenge.

Members of the Branocs cycling club took to the saddle to complete a ride across parts of Essex on Sunday to raise money for Action Medical Research.

The ride saw 540 cyclists start from the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester and travel through the likes of Sudbury, Great Bardfield, Braintree and Halstead before crossing the finishing line back at the stadium.

The first member of the Branocs team crossed the line in six hours and 27 minutes. An estimated £25,000 is thought to have been raised by the event.

Organiser Lyndsay Wood, from Braintree, said: “I was delighted that our hard work came together on Sunday and the sun was shining for our cyclists. It was great seeing so many members of the cycling club Branocs there.

“Some of the team are seasoned cyclists but for a few, it was their first time covering the 100-mile distance. We’re so grateful to the club for showing their support.”

Action Medical Research provides funding for research into a number of medical conditions such as epilepsy and asthma.