Staff at Desira's Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep dealership in Norwich who took part in a charity bike ride in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust have raised about £3,000.

The ride – about 50 miles from Norwich to Holt and back – was organised by the Heigham Street dealership's aftersales manager Perry Payne after his work colleague Steve Long lost his 17-year-old son, Matthew, to cancer in November. The Teenage Cancer Trust supported Mr Long and his family exceptionally well.

The 10 Desira staff were joined on the ride by about 25 other riders, all of whom also deserve a round of applause – as do the several local businesses which supported the event.

Mr Payne and the team had originally hoped to raise £1,000 for the charity but, with some much support and awareness, the figure has reached £2,830 and more money is still coming in.

Mr Payne said: 'I just wanted to thank everyone who has already supported our teenage cancer trust charity event last weekend. Everyone did an outstanding job and everyone completed the ride.

'There were punctures and broken bikes but our mobile technician came to the rescue and helped ensure we had 100% completion. This was an extremely enjoyable event and we all had a really good buzz on the day.

'A colleague of ours unfortunately lost his son late last year to cancer. The company has been excellent in supporting him and I wanted to continue that support – this was the reason behind the event.

It's not to late to help the cause for the Teenage Cancer Trust. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/remember/242823/Matthew-Long