A GROUP of 20 friends from Cirencester have taken part in a charity cycle ride across the Cotswolds, stopping at every public house along the way.

The cyclists set off at 11am on Sunday, August 25 and rode from the Marlborough Arms in Cirencester to South Cerney and then Ampney Crucis before finishing up back in Cirencester.

The charity ride was set up in the memory of Vanessa Leonard who died from breast cancer in 2011.

Vanessa’s partner Steve Willoughby told the Standard said: “All the people who took part knew Vanessa. It was like a big family event.

“We wanted to do this in Vanessa’s memory but to also raise as much money as we could.”

The team of 20 peddlers, many of whom did the cycle in fancy dress, were welcomed back to Cirencester with a party at the Marlborough Arms in which the Cirencester Samba band played.

Steve said: “It was a really good day, it was absolutely fantastic. The weather held out for us too.”

The bike ride raised a total of £281 Cancer Research UK – people can still donate to the cause by leaving a contribution in the collection tins inside the Marlborough Arms.