THE cash was rolling in as villagers got on their bikes for a 24-hour charity cyclathon.

The gruelling challenge at the Houston Inn brought in both seasoned and novice cyclists, and raised £4,142 for St Vincent’s Hospice.

There were two stationary bikes outside the venue from 8.30am to 8.30pm, with 48 cyclists taking part.

Event organiser Andrea Gibson was inspired to host the event by the death of her father-in-law, who was treated at St Vincent’s Hospice during his final days.

As he was a keen cyclist, Andrea felt a cyclathon was the most appropriate way to raise cash for the cause.

Andrea, with husband Allan and friends Lesley and Mike Gallagher, and Stuart and Eve Gibson were delighted by the turnout of the event.

She told The Gazette: “My father-in-law was very passionate about cycling and the work that St Vincent’s do is incredible so the cyclathon seemed like a fitting event.”

A raffle and competitions with prizes for guessing the complete mileage and for the cyclist with highest mileage helped boost the total.

The prize for highest mileage went to Mason Bogle while Elle Seivwright guessed the highest mileage.

Hundreds of people then enjoyed an after party in the evening with a DJ

Andrea said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere with around 200 coming along in the evening.

“We really appreciate all the companies and businesses that have supported our fundraising, without which, it wouldn’t have been the success that it was.”