CHARITY fundraisers took part in a 5,500 mile cycling challenge to raise money to help repair homes and facilities for those in need.

Dave Gallagher and Scott Mcdonald, who work at Screwfix, in Bishop Auckland, took part in the eight-week long Tour de Screwfix.

The ride was organised to help mark the opening of its 400th store and to raise £100,000 for The Screwfix Foundation.

Mr Gallagher and Mr Mcdonald each cycled a leg of the route stretching 85-miles between Bishop Auckland and Carlisle.

Mr Mcdonald said: “We really enjoyed taking part in Tour de Screwfix, it was a tough ride but for a fantastic cause.

“It’s great that so many Screwfix employees are taking part, hopefully together we can raise a lot of money. We can’t wait to see the total.”

The challenge started in Inverness, in Scotland, on Monday, April 13, and it will travel to every branch of the store in the UK, including Northern Ireland.

The final leg will see cyclists head off from the firm’s head office in Yeovil, in Somerset, for a 162-mile ride to its latest store in Hinkley, in Leicestershire.

Andrew Livingston, chief executive officer of Screwfix, said: “We are extremely proud of all the staff who are participating in this ongoing incredible challenge.

“It’s a fantastic achievement which is raising money to enable The Screwfix Foundation to continue its hard work in supporting well-deserving, local causes.”

The foundation works with Barnardo’s children’s charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and smaller groups.

Screwfix is now urging to groups in and around Bishop Auckland to apply for funding from its foundation.

To apply for money visit screwfixfoundation.com