THOUSANDS of pounds were raised for a county charity by a Hereford police officer who cycled 300 gruelling miles in just two days.

Chris Lea cycled took in breathtaking landscapes but also difficult terrain when he went from Hereford to Bangor and back for the ELY Memorial Fund.

He climbed some of the toughest hills in England and Wales including the Burway outside Church Stretton, Stiperstones near Welshpool and the highest tarmac road in Wales known as the Hellfire Pass.

Against the clock the following day, Mr Lea cycled the remaining 160 miles and arrived home to a huge welcome of family, friends and supporters at Hereford Football Club, where a celebration was held.

His efforts raised £2,200 for the charity which offers a one-off payment towards funeral costs for families in Herefordshire if they lose a son or daughter between the ages 17 to 25 in a road traffic accident.

Another 48 cyclists took took to the road in a separate challenge for the charity, cycling from Rotherwas to Llangorse Lake.

The Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Jim Kenyon, joined the cyclists on their return journey and they were welcomed home to a warm curry and rice at the Hereford City Sports club where they received medals and individual trophies for outstanding achievements.

Angela Tyler, from the ELY Memorial Fund, thanked all those who had donated and supported Mr Lea and the cyclists' efforts.