Generous cyclists have collected £4,000 for two charities after a gruelling ride.

Riders from the Team XIII cycling group completed a 175 mile challenge and a sponsored spinathon to raise the money.

They handed £2,000 to 'Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland' and £2,000 to Rosehill Youth Theatre, Whitehaven.

Cyclist Paul Kelly said: "We've got a few friends affected by autism, we know the heartache they go through. There's no respite for them.

"I'd like to thank Team XIII, we had around 30 riders for the spinathon. The whole club raises money throughout the year."

The 175 mile ride saw cyclists travel from Whitehaven towards Penrith over Hartside Pass to Gretna, back to Carlisle and then return down the coast.

Mr Kelly said the riders took on the challenge in "horrendous weather".

'Autism Support Allerdale and Copleand' is made up of volunteers, who are parent carers of children with autism.

They are striving to create a better future for the autistic communuty of West Cumbria by supporting children and their families.

Rosehill Youth Theatre is a youth group, started in 1983, which puts on shows, pantomimes, plays and concerts.

It is ran by volunteers, for young people between five and 21, who are interested in acting, singing, dancing or helping backstage.

For more information on the autism support group, go to www.asaac.co.uk

To find out more about Rosehill Youth Theatre, visit www.rosehillyouththeatre.co.uk