AMATEUR cyclists battled sleet and gale force winds to complete a challenge to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally in Christchurch.

They tackled the 100-mile South Downs Way in memory of Ferndown father-of-two Andy Hanlon who died last year at the age of 54 from a double brain tumour.

Andy, an accountant, was cared for by the charity and his friends and family raised more than £3,000 through the bike ride. Around a dozen people took part.

Andy's mum, Pat, said: "I'm so proud of them all and I just wanted to say thank you. They're all in their 50s and they had a really hard time with the weather towards the end of the ride with gales and sleet.

"They all managed to complete it and they raised an amazing amount of money. They gave up their holidays to take part and it really means a lot."

She said she and Andy's dad, John, want to thank the team, along with Andy's children, Niamh and Conor.