CYCLISTS from across Furness have been praised for their efforts in raising thousands of pounds for a local cause.

More than £3,500 was raised by those taking part in the annual Greyhound Challenge, a mountain bike ride organised by volunteers at the community-run Greyhound Inn at Grizebeck.

They presented the proceeds to Jackie Northover, assistant chief executive of the NorthWest Air Ambulance, who was full of praise for the achievement.

Mrs Northover said: “Over the years, the money you have raised has helped to save many lives. I’m in awe of your fitness and determination.”

The gruelling event, now in its eighth year, starts at the Greyhound Hotel in Shap with coffee and bacon baps and crosses the fells via Longsleddale, Kentmere, Troutbeck, Ambleside and Grizedale Forest, a distance of 45 miles.

It finishes at the Greyhound Inn, Grizebeck, where riders look forward to quenching their thirst. More than 60 riders took part this year.

“It gets bigger every year,” said organiser Martin Salter-Smith. “It helps when the weather is kind, but it’s a grand day out anyway and we hope to be able to top £4,000 next year.”

The North West Air Ambulance has two helicopsters, one based in Blackpool, one in Manchester, and covers from Cumbria down to Crewe.

It costs £3.5 million a year to keep them flying.