About 150 people took to their bikes through west Cumbria, raising hundreds of pounds for four deserving causes.

It was all thanks to the Team XIII bike club's annual reliability ride, which combined community spirit and a passion for cycling in an event that has become an increasingly popular fundraiser.

“It's been brilliant,” said organiser Paul Morgan, who described how the ride set off from Lowca Rugby League Club and took in some of the county's most beautiful scenery, including Ennerdale.

The four charities to benefit were the North West Air Ambulance, Mind West Cumbria, the Park triplets - whose mum Rachel died in December, and the special care baby heart unit at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

When all the money raised is collected, it is expected there will be at least £1,300.

Sellafield worker Paul said the event was split into three different rides to suit varying abilities: a 30-mile route for beginners; a 50-mile ride for intermediate cyclists; and for the more experienced there was a somewhat more gruelling 60-mile route.

Those taking part ranged in age from 17 to others in their sixties, said Paul.

So what is the sport's appeal?

“It's definitely the best way to see anywhere,” said Paul. “And I just love being out on my bike with my mates.

"A group of us have just been to Majorca and we did 300 miles on our bikes in four days. It was fantastic.

“When you go walking you are limited in what you can see by how far you can walk. But on a bike you can get round Cumbria in a day; and the scenery is forever changing.

“We came up with the idea of Team XIII in 2013.

“We'd done a charity bike ride for an ex-rugby league player and we liked it so much that we carried on; and our membership has gone from the original 20 to 150. We've also now got a female section.”

At the end of the ride Paul and many of his friends enjoyed a well-earned pint and meal at the Lowca Club.

The starting point for Saturday's ride was Lowca's Rugby League Club but the route took in Lorton, Loweswater, Ennerdale, Egremont Rugby Union club (a welcome feeding station for the riders), Cold Fell, Calder Bridge, St Bees, and Whitehaven.

Throughout the ride, the weather was perfect, sunny and clear, with not even a hint of rain, said Paul.