AFTER an enforced year off, the Brow'ton 7+ crew were delighted to be back on their bikes and raising lots of money for their community.

An 11-strong team plus support set off from Broughton, near Cockermouth, on a two-day challenge and raised £2,300 for the village OAP's outing fund and other local causes.

The group was set up 32 years ago and organised for the past three decades by villager Mally Martin, who died at the start of the year. It has raised more than £75,000 over the decades.

This year's event was organised by Stephen Tyson, of Little Broughton, who has been involved for nine years.

"We want to keep the tradition alive. Mally would be glad it’s carrying on," he said.

"Mally's wife and daughters came up and saw us off which was great."

The team set off from the village and covered 66 miles with an overnight stop at Eskdale Youth Hostel.

They were treated to a great spread at Brewery House on their return.

"We're really grateful for all the support. A lot of people have come up to me to give me sponsor money," said Stephen.

"The event is a really good laugh and we want to keep it going. It would be good to get some younger riders."