STAFF from a local McDonald’s branch have completed a gruelling 52-mile bike ride to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

The eager cyclists set about raising money for the charity via a tough one-day event, which saw them cycle between nine McDonald’s restaurants, starting in Stroud and finishing in Swindon.

They also cycled past the Cirencester restaurant.

The vital organisation builds special houses next to hospitals so that parents have somewhere free and safe to stay close to their children’s ward.

Operations consultant Jon Carpenter, who often works at the Cirencester McDonald’s, took part in the bike ride. He said he first became aware of the charity in 1995 when he visited the Ronald McDonald House in London.

“It left a huge impression on me and I vowed then to do as much as I could to support them,” he said. “When we started fundraising for the bike ride, I was genuinely touched by how many of our staff were keen to donate.”

Local McDonald’s franchisee Paul Booth said: “I’m extremely proud of the staff members who took part in the bike ride. It’s great to see everyone working together.”