A gym team raised hundreds of pounds by cycling the first three stages of a French bicycle race in a bid to help homeless people.

Members of the Nuffield Health Croxley Park gym team organised a Charity Cycle Event for Herts Young Homeless Charity on November 2.

Over an eight hour period a number of park employees and gym members volunteered to cycle for 15 or 30 minute intervals in order to cover as much distance as possible of the first few stages of the Tour de France.

Volunteers were asked to donate a minimum of £2.50 for 15 minutes and £5.00 for a 30 minute cycle.

They were able to cover a total distance of 348.85km within eight hours and the total amount raised was £308.00.

Manager of the gym Doreen Maddix said: “Prior to the start of the event I was a little worried about the vacant time slots that still required bodies to add pedal power.

“On the day however, I was able to persuade a few more members to join the challenge and with the competitive spirit shown by all, collectively more ground was covered.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part and would like to invite volunteers to take on a new challenge for Herts Young Homeless next year.”

To donate, visit: Www.hyh.org.uk