CYCLISTS took to the Stroud valleys to raise needed funds for family charity Allsorts.

Eighty-four people participated in the Tour de Stroud on Saturday with more than half of them completing the 65-mile challenge route.

Mario McNanarma and Jon Arnold completed the 30-mile course.

“It was a ripper of a course with a sting in the tail at the end. It’s been a great event and for a good local cause,” said Jon, from Stroud.

Lea Anne Ewing completed the 12-mile route on a tandem with her eight-year-old daughter Rachel.

The bike ride started and finished at Stratford Park in Stroud where the charity staged a family festival complete with a barbecue, cream teas and food stalls, live music and children’s activities such as face painting.

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Sports and activities co-ordinator Max Pemberton said the charity hope the bike ride and family day raised more than £3,000 - enough to kickstart a new project for young people with disabilities aged 16 to 25.

Stroud-based Allsorts supports families across Gloucestershire who have children with disabilities and additional needs, providing youth clubs, family trips, inclusive sports, specialist equipment and much more.

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