STAFF, residents plus their families and friends raised an impressive £200 from their static bike ride for Children in Need.

Staff and residents of Westacre Nursing Home in Winchester, along with their families and friends, had a little more exercise than usual when they all took part in the ride.

The cyclists aimed to cover 50 miles in five hours with each rider pedalling for 10 minutes at a time. Throughout the day, the cycling team at Westacre Nursing Home was joined by a host of visitors and supporters including the Deputy Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Patrick Cunningham, who was first to take to the saddle, and pupils from St Peter’s Catholic Primary School.

Diana Hearn, manager of Westacre, said: “Everyone took part in the cycling with great enthusiasm - even several of our residents managed to cycle which was a real achievement and we had wonderful support from the local community. Thanks to everyone’s efforts and the generosity of sponsors and donors, we’ve raised a marvellous amount for Children in Need although I don’t think we’re any threat to GB’s Olympic Cycling Team yet!”

Westacre provides residential and respite care for 50 older people with physical needs and all types of dementia.

Diana added: “Raising money for Children in Need was something our staff and residents really wanted to do. We all had a brilliant day.”