A group of charity cyclists have completed a 345-mile ride using a Pipe and Climate van as their support vehicle.

The five-day challenge, in aid of the Piers Simon Appeal’s School in a Bag initiative, saw 14 full time riders, two part time riders and three support crew pedal from Le Havre, France to Brussels, Belgium.

Piers Simon Appeal’s School in a Bag initiative gives vulnerable and disaster affected children throughout the world a free school bag filled with stationery equipment and resources enabling them to write, draw, colour, and learn.

When Yeovil Pipe Center and Climate Center branch manager Simon Pearson heard about the appeal, he stepped in to help and signed up to cycle the 345 miles as the team’s “rear gunner”, a member of the support crew.

He also organised the use of a Pipe Center and Climate Center delivery van, in order to save the Yeovil-based charity the £900 cost of hiring a van and driver.

Luke Simon, who founded the Piers Simon Appeal, and drove the support van on this year’s trip, said: "The work carried out by School in a Bag is absolutely vital for children around the world who have absolutely nothing. A single school bag can give children the gift of hope and it can be their passport to a life line out of poverty.

“We’re very grateful to those who give up their time to raise money for our charity as well as community partners such as Preston Academy School and Pipe Center and Climate Center, who support our work. It looks like our cycling trip will raise enough funds to buy more than 250 school bags.”

Mr Pearson added: “It was a privilege to be able to support this local charity and give something back to our community. Donating our van for the week meant the charity could buy an extra 60 school bags. And as for the trip itself, I’ll never forget the teamwork, bonding and banter - it was amazing.”