NINE members of Worcester St John’s cycle club raised thousands of pounds for charity while pedalling 100 miles at the iconic Prudential RideLondon event.

They were among 26,000 riders taking advantage of enjoying miles and miles of closed roads which took them past iconic city landmarks and out into the Surrey countryside before finishing the event cycling down the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Club stalwart Dave Walker was joined by his son Ollie and daughter Hannah – riding for Worcester’s St Richard’s Hospice and they were on the start line at 6am.

The family met up with club members Stuart Parker, Martin Lloyd, Mark Hand and Anthony Huxley.

Mr Walker revealed Stuart had a stroke of bad luck when he suffered a puncture within three miles of the start.

“The team sped past me while Olly dropped a drinks bottle but left it to avoid a potential pile up.

"It did not take long for Stuart to make up time and wizz past me despite his puncture.

"I am proud of all the Worcester St John’s members lucky enough to get a place at the start. They all did so well raising money for their chosen charity.”

Mr Walker and Olly completed the course in just under six hours while daughter Hannah beat her time of last year.

Martin Lloyd got round in a creditable 04.51, despite nursing a knee problem and beat five hour goal. He rolled in just ahead of Anthony Huxley - 04.52.41, and Stuart - 05.12.42.

Mark Hand, riding for Mind and Worcester’s St Richard’s Hospice, came in at 04.29.41.

It was an especially moving occasion for Mark who revealed he was cycling for his late brother Dean who committed suicide in 2013.

“It is particularly touching for me because I am riding his bike,” said Mark

Club member Dan Grant rode in the Brompton World Championships in London the day before and was forced to endure heavy rain which made the roads wet and slippery.

H said: “I swapped my WSJCC jersey for a suit and tie to take part in the event. This follows my heart attack six years ago and I was raising money for Pumping Marvellous Heart Foundation. I am raising awareness of heart disease and obesity. If I can help save just one person’s life I will be happy.

“I finished in 117th place in the men’s race which included 324 riders and 128th overall out of 423 riders having completed seven laps of the 1.3 mile course around St James Park in 28 minutes and 12 seconds, an average speed of 20 mph”

The Brompton World Championship has taken place every year since 2006, previously at Blenheim Palace and Goodwood.

The 2017 race - the 12th edition - was held on the Mall as part of the Prudential RideLondon weekend.

Club member Steve Breakwell rode for his team which was supporting a breast cancer charity.