A team of seven Kent Blaxill cyclists from Colchester have completed a three-day, 519-mile challenge in France to raise more than £3,200 for three charities.

The money raised by the building supplies company riders will be going to Essex Age Concern, Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation.

The cyclists, who rode in two relays, were among 200 riders to complete the Alsace Challenge from Arras to Riquewihr in eastern France, a route which in the last third incorporated the Vosges Mountains.

The Kent Blaxill team, which was also sponsored by Hughes & Co Design of Colchester, comprised Kent Blaxill managing director Simon Blaxill, Kevin Pryke, Josh Blaxill, Nick Blaxill, Nick Tanner, Ed Hughes and Mike Barnard.

“It was a challenging route, with 4,115 metres of climbing on the last day,” said Simon Blaxill, “but we also passed through some stunning scenery in the Champagne district, the Vosges Mountains and Alsace. Fortunately the weather held until a cloudburst in the last 20 miles.

“The riders paid their own expenses, with the charitable donations coming from friends, Kent Blaxill customers, staff and suppliers.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at: www.justgiving.com/cyclingchallenge17