A GROUP of retired people cycled 318 miles for charity.

The residents at Richmond Village in Letcombe Regis, near Wantage,  cycled the distance on a new, state-of-the-art bike designed for people with limited mobility.

Every resident who used it over the month logged their distance and Richmond agreed to donate £1 for every mile cycled.

By the end of the month they reached 318 miles, and Richmond wrote out a cheque for £318 to the retirement village’s charity of the year, Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

Eunice Wafford, 73, pictured front left said: “Since using the bike we have all been feeling so much fitter and it has been a great way to raise funds for such a worthy cause.”

The challenge came about after the retirement village purchased the £5,500 Motomed bike which can be used by someone sitting in a wheelchair.

Manager of the “wellness spa” Sharon Hunt said: “Although we have a traditional exercise bike within the gym of the spa, that isn’t suitable for all.

“This new bike means we can help those who are rehabilitating after an operation, as well as being able to take it on to the care floor for our residents with limited mobility.”

The bike proved so popular that residents decided to use it for a charity bike ride.

Air ambulance fundraising manager Eleanor Green said she was delighted to receive the donation.

She added: “Richmond Villages have organised various events this year raising money for the air ambulance, and as the air ambulance relies solely on donations to operate we are truly grateful for their help.”