SEVEN cyclists from Yate have battled the elements and pedalled their way across the width of the country to help orphans in Albania.

The team - Ian Bright and his 12-year-old son Jacob, Dereck Morton, Martin Lewton, Marc Laird, Charlie Griffee and Ryan Cook - took four days to cycle the Way of the Roses, which runs from Morecambe to Bridlington.

The 170-mile journey, between March 30 and April 2, saw them ride up hill and down dale in all weathers, raising £1,500, so far.

Organiser and rider Ian Bright, a member of Christ the Rock Church in Yate which supports a number of projects to help children in Albania, said he was very proud of the team’s achievement.

"The weather didn't help, but we did it.

"It was so cold on the last day - it was snowing and sleeting - and my teeth were chattering so much, that I ended up chipping my two back teeth.

"There was flooding too, so that in some places we tried not to keep our feet on the pedals for a full revolution, just to try and keep our feet out of the water.

"And it got a bit dangerous on the third day, the wind was very strong on the Yorkshire Dales, and Jacob kept getting blown into the road, so I had to stop and take him out of it.

"I called my friend, who came and picked him up. He was gutted, but in all he only missed about ten miles from the total.

"We're going to come back in May, so he can do those last miles, and know that he's completed the whole route.

Before the ride, Ian was unsure if he would be able to finish the journey, as just two years ago hit his head on the bottom of a swimming pool and seriously injured his upper spine.

The incident happened in Albania, where Ian and his family started visiting nine years ago, to help support various community projects.

Since then he has spent 14 months in physio, but still suffers with pain following his accident.

He said: “I wasn't sure if I would physically be able to finish the route, but I wanted to give it a go because I want to help raise as much money as possible for the children in Albania.

"I did experience some pain, but just dosed myself up on pain-killers.

"I'm so glad to have been able to do the ride with Jacob. I thought it might have been a bit much for him - and me - but he totally surprised me.

"He got up more of the hills than I did. Some times I had to get off and walk to the top, and he just flew past me."

This summer, Ian and Jacob and their family will be visiting Albania, where they will be taking part in various projects, including working with kids on the streets, helping out in an orphanage, a safe house and an elderly people's home.

Ian will also help run children's football camps.

Donations are still being accepted – visit: everyclick.com/wayoftherosesalbania