BEAUTIFUL countryside took cyclists minds off the steep climbs of the Severn Valley challenge in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice.

More than 150 cyclists in the sixth Severn Valley cycle challenge on Sunday 17 to raise funds for the charity's three hospices including the hospice on Bath Road, Worcester.

Cyclists chose one of three different courses, ten, 20 or 40 miles, to match their ability.

After the race, cyclists were taken back to their starting points on the Severn Valley Steam Railway.

The 20 mile race was started by Claire and Brett Groom, from Kingswinford, whose daughter Isla was cared for by Acorns before she passed away two years ago from the rare genetic condition Edwards Syndrome.

Acorns chief executive David Strudley started the 40 mile course and then completed the 10 mile.

Ian Carr, Acorns events manager, said: “We were really pleased with the number of people who supported Acorns Children's Hospice, both the cyclists and the volunteers who helped on the day.

The charity is hoping the event will raise £30,000 and is asking participants to send in their sponsorship money to help Acorns continue to provide care for life limited and life threatened children.

To find out more about the work of Acorns Children's Hospice call 0845 120 6892 or visit www.acorns.org.uk