Cyclists took part in a 100km night ride raising £10,000 for a special needs charity.

At the last minute Jewish charity Kisharon nearly doubled the number of cyclists taking part in its 100km London Nightrider event from the expected 18 riders to 35. 

Participants set off from Alexandra Palace on Saturday night and rode past iconic sights including Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the London Eye.

The first of the Kisharon riders returned at around 4.50am on Sunday morning, including business consultant Chaim Strom, 28, from Hendon and his friend Ben Cohen, 30, from Golders Green. 

Mr Strom said: “It was a tough ride and we had to keep stopping because of the traffic but Kisharon is a good cause, and overall we enjoyed it.”

The charity has raised more than £10,000 in sponsorship of which £4,000 was raised by Kisharon Day School teacher Miral Patani.

The 31-year-old said: “I have worked at the school for over two years and wanted to raise funds to buy equipment for children with learning difficulties and complex special needs. 

“I have been so overwhelmed by the love, passion and commitment that Kisharon gives to each and every child in the school.  Taking part was a way for me to support the incredible work they do.

“The very last hill going up to Alexandra Palace was by far the toughest but I was with many other riders and we spurred each other on until we made it to the end.

"It took me eight hours to cross the finish line including breaks and lots of socialising with fellow riders. I was so relieved I just cried when I got my medal. I was so happy.”