Intrepid cyclists have completed the challenge of riding from Lowestoft, the farthest easterly point in the UK, to St David's Head, the farthest westerly point, to raise money for the Rotary 'End Polio Now' campaign and also for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Rotary Club of Aylsham members John Longhurst and John Shenton, together with their cycling friend John Clarke, arrived safely in sunshine, apart from minor aches and pains, at Whitesands Bay, St David's Head, on Wednesday, May 18.

They completed the cycle ride from Lowestoft, a distance of about 470 miles, in nine days with very few mishaps, suffering only four punctures, all in Norfolk, and one broken gear cable.

A spokesman for the Rotary Club said: 'They experienced strong head winds for the entire trip, with heavy rain for the last three days, but finished in glorious sunshine.'

During the ride they were supported by fellow Rotarians Richard Latham, their minibus support driver, and Ian Graham, who updated the website www.acrossthecountry.co.uk as they progressed.

The team was raising funds for the Rotary Foundation charity Polio Now and the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The spokesman said: 'They appear to be on target to raise �2,000 for the two charities and the team would like to thank all those who have donated so generously.'

l Pictured are, from left, John Clarke, John Shenton, Richard Latham and John Longhurst.