A team of keen cyclists put their fitness to the test in a gruelling 275-mile challenge.

The construction company responsible for building the new Radiotherapy Unit at Dorset County Hospital decided they wanted to get even more involved with the work and agreed on a sponsored cycle in aid of the Cancer Appeal.

The ten-man team from Interserve cycled a total of 275 miles from Southampton to Paris at the end of June, raising more than £6,300 for the hospital's Cancer Appeal.

After setting off from Southampton, the team hopped on to an overnight ferry to St Malo in northern France. The next morning they cycled down the coast before setting up their first campsite.

Day two was more dramatic with one member of the team suffering a catastrophic breakdown of his bike, but decided to struggle on - using only one gear.

On day three the team reached Paris, followed by the final journey through the city to the Eiffel Tower on the last day.

Simon Duck, project manager at the Dorchester site said: “We are extremely proud to be donating this money to such a great cause which means a lot to all of us.”

He added: “The team were all amazing, particularly Ed who cycled the last 200 miles on one gear.”

Simon Pearson, head of fundraising at Dorset County Hospital Charity, said: “This is a fantastic effort and much appreciated – we want to thank everyone who took part and also those who sponsored and supported the team – it’s a great result all round.”

Interserve is currently building the Robert White Radiotherapy Unit on site at Dorset County Hospital.

The Cancer Appeal is funding a Cancer Outpatients Department which is being built on top of the Radiotherapy Unit and which will serve all cancer patients at the hospital.

It is part of a £9million project bringing radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time.

If you would like to support the appeal by making a donation or organising a fundraising event please contact the charity on 01305 253215, visit dchft.nhs.uk/charity or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk