FUND-raising chiefs at Kidderminster's Kemp Hospice estimate that £5,000 could have been generated for its coffers through a sponsored ride on the world's biggest bike.

The 24-seater was ridden from Hurrans Garden Centre, near Blakedown, to Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley, with 83 people queuing up to get in the saddle for their turns, on Saturday.

The following day, the exercise was repeated, but in the opposite direction. Among those taking part were 38 students and staff from Kidderminster College, 15 members of Bewdley Weight Watchers' Club and fund-raisers from the hospice.

Alan Ierston, head of marketing and fund raising at Kemp, said: "We were overwhelmed and very appreciative of the support from so many organisations that assisted to make the event a memorable one."

He added: "We wondered what we had let ourselves in for when we approached the first hill, travelling into Blakedown, and I never thought I would ever see 23 riders all standing up on the pedals and giving it some real horse power."