HUNDREDS of caring Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa residents saddled up at the weekend and raised thousands of pounds for charity - despite the wet weather.

Around 400 people took part in the 26-mile North Worcestershire Bikeathon on Sunday to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.

The event, sponsored by Natwest and Bromsgrove's new internet cafe, Compuccinos, raised around £17,000.

The chairman of the fund's Bromsgrove branch, Nicole Harris, said: "It was absolutely fantastic and everything went really well.

"It was pouring down but everyone was in high spirits despite the wet weather."

About 800 cyclists took part last year, helping to raise £32,000 but this year's event was in jeopardy due to the foot and mouth crisis.

The ten-mile course had to be cancelled and the event moved from Hanbury's Mere Hall to a field next to Hanbury Hall.

It was put together in just six weeks but in previous years planning has begun in May.

Nicole added: "I want to say how grateful I am to all those people who took part and helped out. The event takes a lot of organising."

Riders received a free T-shirts and all finishers received a medal.

Those who took part now need to collect their sponsorship money and pay it into Natwest bank.

Cyclists who collect the most sponsorship money will be rewarded with prizes.