Cyclists took on a daunting 50-mile challenge over the weekend to raise money for local charities.

The 'Tour de Furness', starting at the Roose Conservative Club in Barrow, returned on Sunday, September 1 and was once again well attended by keen cyclists and amateurs alike.

The event, now in its 29th year, is organised by the Rotary Club of Furness, who celebrated what was a triumphant occasion in the name of charity.

There was plenty of reasons to celebrate for those who took partThere was plenty of reasons to celebrate for those who took part (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

A spokesperson said: "Thanks go to our fabulous riders and the help given by the Women's Institute in expertly handling our entries, Barrow-in-Furness Rotary for their traffic management skills, and the Furness Amateur Radio Society (FARS) for slick communications.

"We should also mention our mobile first aiders for keeping everyone safe, and also Askam Rugby Club, Ulverston Scouts Group and Furness Rugby for helping out on our rides, marshalling and managing our signage."

The team of marshals who made sure the event ran smoothlyThe team of marshals who made sure the event ran smoothly (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

Participants were able to either take on the main 50-mile route, a 25-mile trip through Low Furness, or a 13-mile challenge designed with families and amateurs in mind.

This was the 28th edition of the 'Tour de Furness' with the Covid-19 pandemic proving to be a bump in the road in 2020.

In nearly three decades, the rotary club has successfully raised over £500,000 through the event, which has been distributed between St Mary’s Hospice, The NHS Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity, Rotary Club of Furness Charitable Trust and other nominated organisations.

People could take on 50, 25 or 13-mile challengesPeople could take on 50, 25 or 13-mile challenges (Image: St Mary's Hospice)

St Mary's once again had a strong presence during the ride, making sure they were on hand to provide much needed refreshments for those taking part.

A member of the hospice team said: "It is always such a pleasure to attend this event and meet our wonderful cyclists and also all the members of the Rotary.

"We appreciate that such a lot of time and effort goes into organising an event like this and we are immensely grateful.

"A huge thank you to everyone who took part - you really are all superstars."