A keen cyclist and three friends embarked on an 804-mile bike ride from Calais to Cannes, all in the name of charity.

James Adby, 35, of Woodside Avenue, Esher, and the rest of the group cycled about 100 miles a day to complete the trip in eight days.

The hard work was in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich, where cyclist Bard Warwick's mother was cared for and sadly died two hours before her grandson was born. They have raised £16,000 so far.

Your Local Guardian: Problem solving: The cyclists in actionProblem solving: The cyclists in action

Mr Adby, a member of Ditton's Velo cycling club, said he prepared for the trip by cycling from London to Paris, and took part in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100.

He said: "It had its ups and downs. On day one we were obviously very excited, day two was a really long day, and we really suffered on day three."

The group made their way through the Champagne region of France but did not stop off for a glass of bubbly, with Mr Adby commenting: "I really requested it but the other guys weren't keen."

If you would like to support the team you can donate at giving.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/calais-to-cannes-2014.