Cyclists returning to Norwich following a five day charity ride that started in Wales received a grand reception for their efforts.

Beginning in Aberystwyth, a group of 21 fund raisers made their way across Britain, covering 330 miles in the process for various good causes.

The team all work for the Smiths News Group and were taking part in the A to B Bike Ride. They arrived at Bertram Books, a book wholesaler on Beachman Way, to be greeted with a BBQ and the congratulations of Simon Wright, MP for Norwich South.

Father of two Martin Beach, of Thurlton, is a computer system installer at Betrams and has so far raised �1400 for the East Anglia Children's Hospice (EACH).

The 53-year-old said: 'We had some hard work to do on the second day between Bishop's Castle and Redditch where you had some 15pc hills which really punished you but the ride was great fun. There was a really good team spirit between us all.

'I had a bit of a crash as well, which happened when the rider in front of me got a bee sting. I avoided them and hit someone else but I'm recovered OK now'

The group pulled in to Bertrams at just after 11am on Friday, but a dedicated few carried on another 20 miles to California.

Martin had been training beforehand by regularly riding the 35 round trip to work.

He added: 'The finish in Norwich was really good and it was lovely as we all came in together but 12 of us decided to make it coast to coast.

'I'm feeling a bit better now and my legs are alright but I'm still a bit battered and bruised from the crash.'

Danielle Gravestock, EACH Norfolk fundraiser, said: 'It's fantastic that Martin decided to take on this challenge for EACH. At EACH we rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income, which is why support from people like Martin is so important to the charity.'

•Sponsor Martin on www.justgiving.com/martin-beach.