Three Norfolk friends who have taken part in a charity bike ride from Land's End to John O' Groats have donated £2,145 to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Alistair Wallace from Elsing, James Walsgrove from Easton and Rob Claxton from Toftwood biked the 900 plus miles in memory of Simon Williams, who died in June from a short illness and subsequent heart failure.

The money will go towards the charity's nook appeal, which is aiming to transform children's palliative care in Norfolk by building a brand new, bigger hospice.

Alistair, who owns A&M Motors in Lenwade, said: 'I mentioned my ride to Simon in my last conversation with him and he laughed saying 'What? On one of those things without engines?'

'Simon's mum was keen for EACH to be supported and I'd love to do more in the future to help. Seeing the plans for the nook has really brought home to me just how big an undertaking caring for all the children and their families is.

'I didn't realise how involved and far-reaching the charity was.'

The new hospice will replace the current one in Quidenham, which has been used for more than 25 years.

The nook will offer services unavailable or extremely limited at Quidenham, including a far larger care area, more areas for clinical care, improved medical and nursing equipment and activity areas for arts, crafts and play.

Tim Jenkins, EACH Norfolk Community Fundraiser, said: 'This was a fantastic effort by Alistair, James and Rob, and a great way to honour Simon's memory.

'We're obviously really pleased to have been the beneficiary, with the final stretch of the nook appeal approaching.

'All contributions from individuals and groups in the community are very welcome as we aim to raise the final £1.3 million or so.'

EACH currently has planning permission for a new site on a five-acre woodland area in Framingham Earl, five miles south of Norwich.

The charity is currently unable to provide the same facilities in Norfolk as it does for Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk, without a new building.

For more information on how to support the nook appeal, go to www.each.org.uk/the-nook.