A team of cyclists have mounted their bikes to raise money for charity.

Team XIII handed over £1,000 each to three causes this week – Mayfield School in Whitehaven, Dalegarth ward at the West Cumberland Hospital and the Give Us A Break campaign.

The club's members raised a huge amount of cash from a charity ride carried out earlier this year, which saw the cyclists tackle the gruelling 112-mile Fred Whitton Challenge, beginning at Grasmere and snaking its way through the Lakes taking on its highest mountain passes.

Since then, they have been distributing the money raised to deserving charities and causes and Mayfield, Dalegarth and Give Us A Break were the latest to benefit.

"People approach us and ask if we'd raise money for them," said Club XIII's Paul Morgan. "We like giving to local charities as it keeps the money in the community."

Tracey Teasdale, the headteacher's PA and office manager at Mayfield School, said everyone at the school was thrilled with the donation.

The money will go into the school's development fund, which pays for items not provided under the curriculum, such as outdoor play equipment.

"We didn't know the money was coming, we were very surprised by it," said Tracey. "It was lovely when Paul phoned up to say they wanted to present a cheque and we were delighted they chose us."

The Give Us A Break charity is raising funds to build a short stay centre in West Cumbria for disabled children.

The charity's Jackie Blacklock said: "It's fantastic that we've received this money. We rely on donations and are so pleased when people choose to fundraise for us."

Team XIII chose to donate £1,000 to Dalegarth Ward because the mum of one of cycling team's members recently stayed at the ward and had kidney dialysis.