BUS drivers swapped their usual office for bikes this month to raise as much money as possible for Helen and Douglas House.

Staff at Stagecoach Oxfordshire set off on their bikes on May 1 to collectively cycle 365 miles, passing through bus depots in Banbury, Oxford and Witney.

Paul O'Callaghan, service delivery director; Matt Nield, Witney bus driver; and Doug Hedges, Chipping Norton bus Driver, all cycled the most distance between the depots.

Starting at Banbury, they travelled to Witney and then to Oxford before returning back to the Banbury Depot, clocking up a total of 75 miles each.

Trevor Bayliss, Witney operations manager, organised the charity bike ride with his colleague Gerry Fletcher, a Witney bus driver.

Mr Bayliss, who cycled 35 miles from the Oxford Depot to the Witney Depot and back again, said: "I am extremely proud of everyone who took part in our charity bike ride.

"Most of us are used to travelling around the county on the bus, so to travel this many miles on a bike between the depots was a huge challenge.

"Helen & Douglas House work hard every single day to give children and their families' fantastic care and support, the least we could do was brave a few tough hours to raise money for the marvellous charity."

Suzi Attree, Helen & Douglas House corporate fundraiser, said: "The support that Stagecoach give Helen & Douglas House is hugely important.

"This year Stagecoach’s commitment to the charity is more important than ever as we launch our Care Appeal to let people know that as a charity built up by the local community, we really need the support of the local community to continue to look after children, teenagers and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.”

So far Stagecoach has raised £1,000 for its bike ride challenge.