Fifteen members of Farrington Gurney Young Farmers' Club spent two days over the weekend cycling from Windsor Great Park to Farrington's Farm Shop as a charity fundraiser for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

This is a cause close to the hearts of many of the club, some of whom have unfortunately had to use. All of those unfortunates remarked on what a fantastic service it is and as they are farmers, equestrians and rural workers, the service is most important to their daily lives.

The group set off from Farrington Gurney at 5 a.m. on Saturday morning to start the 130 mile cycle ride. At 9 a.m. they were all saddled up in Windsor Great Park and using cycle tracks, where available, started off to their overnight destination of a camp site in Pewsey. This leg of the journey lasted twelve hours. There were a few suffering from saddle sores by this stage.

The next morning, everyone in the group, although there had been a few falls and just one puncture, was fit for the final leg to Farrington Gurney. They were joined near Devizes by supporters with their bikes.

The large group made an impressive sight cycling into Farrington Gurney after such a long journey. The stiff limbs and sore bottoms were greatly eased by the news that by then, they had raised £4,500 with donations still coming in. Various local firms generously donated goods, money or practical help to enable this terrific result.

Farrington's then laid on a wonderful barbecue for all the tired and hungry cyclists.

Rosie Sage