A GROUP of students from Cirencester College put metal to the pedal as they cycled the length of France’s longest river in a bid to raise money for a local charity.

Five fearless students from the college spent 10 days last summer pedalling 500 kilometres from the Atlantic coast to Orleans, using the Loire River as a guide, while raising money for CHYP (Cirencester Housing for Young People).

The mammoth trip saw the students cycle around 70 kilometres every day in blistering heat for eight days straight.

With all the sponsorship money counted, the Standard can reveal that the fearless cyclists smashed their £1,000 target and raised £1,700 for the charity.

Stuart Williams, lecturer in public services who also accompanied the students, said the students’ worked exceptionally hard throughout the year raising money to fund the trip.

“They showed a high level of commitment and dedication towards the project. We are also grateful to all the other students who got involved by helping with fundraising but were unable to go on the trip,” he said.

The CHYP charity provides support and accommodation for vulnerable young people in Cirencester and the surrounding areas who find themselves homeless through no fault of their own.

Sandy Price, chairman of CHYP, said: “I think it is wonderful that the students have raised so much money for other young people who are not as fortunate as themselves.

“The money will go towards our current project to improve communal living space at our property in Querns Lane in Cirencester.”

For further information on CHYP, visit www.chypthecharity.org.uk.