A GROUP of volunteers have cycled a very strange piece of machinery across the South West to raise money for a children's charity.

The team of 12 (including support crew) pedalled a seven-seater circular bike approximately 238 miles from Bristol to St Austell to raise awareness and funds for the Childrens Hospice South West.

The riders – a group of friends from North Devon – wanted to take on an epic challenge to raise money.

David Butt, one of the group, said: 'Most of us have children and we felt it was a great opportunity to raise some cash'.

The unique bike weighs 210kg, and is the size of a small car.

It is fitted with conventional car wheels and disc breaks.

Being circular, each team member pedals into the centre of the bike, where machinery converts all the pedalling into one source of forward movement.

Residents of Ivybri-dge, South Brent Yeal-mpton and Totnes had the chance to view the incredible site when the team passed through on their journey.

Mr Butt said: 'The hills were tricky at times and we got hammered with rain around Tiverton, but we had a fantastic time doing it.

'We received great support from passers-by and the communities we stopped at.

'We also had a real joker in one of the riders so spirits remained high throughout'.

CHSW has three hospices – Charlton Farm near Bristol, Little Bridge House in Fremington, and shortly opening the last at Little Harbour near St Austell.

The hospices deal with life limited children by providing help and support in a fun and caring environment, with respite care for often exhausted parents.

The ride began at Charlton Farm, Bristol on Friday, October 7, and finished last Saturday at Little Harbour, St Austell.

The team reached Totnes on Thursday, October 13, before heading on to South Brent, where they were accommodated in the Royal Oak, and took part in the pub quiz.

Mr Butt said: 'We are extremely grateful to everyone at the Royal Oak in South Brent.

'They put on a fantastic quiz for us and we managed to raise lots of money.

'All the people we met in South Brent were extremely kind and very welcoming'.

The following morning they set off to Ivybridge.

Fundraising through bucket collections took place along the route and most evenings the team attended organised quiz nights and gave members of the public the chance to ride the bike.

For information visit http://www.mag7rideagain">www.mag7rideagain. co.uk.

The total funds are still being counted, but the group initially hoped to raise around £10,000.