A pair of cycling pals arrived in Poringland to a celebration after cycling from Barcelona in aid of charity.

Vic Harwin, 51, from Costessey, and Stuart Askew, 54, from Poringland, have completed a 1,068 -mile ride for All Hallows Hospital in Ditchingham, near Bungay, inspired by the treatment received by a local hero.

Tom Greensides was well known around Poringland for sponsoring the local football and darts teams with proceeds from his business, and raising money for charity.

The 73-year-old is in All Hallows after suffering a blood clot on the brain, and project developer Mr Harwin along with company owner Stuart Askew were determined to push themselves to their limits in his honour.

Mr Harwin said: 'A place like All Hallows you would assume is all doom and gloom, but when we went there to see Tom, who we have been friends with for 25 years, they were playing cards and being treated with dignity.

'The staff there are fantastic.'

They were determined to exceed the 1,000 mile mark, even taking a longer route and getting caught in a hail storm for good measure.

They cycled across the Pyrenees and collected donations in France, and in total hope to raise more than �2,000.

'We really enjoyed it, made a few mistakes on the navigation, but in the end we saw beautiful Spain and rural France and scratched an itch we have had for a long time.'

They arrived back at Poringland's Royal Oak pub, in The Street, at 4pm on Saturday, to a crowd of admirers.

They aim to help provide more equipment for the hospital and were aided by local businesses.

Are you taking on a charity challenge? Contact Local Life editor David Freezer 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk