THE Town Square in Crediton saw plenty of energy expelled on Saturday, July 22, when supporters of a local charity took part in a sponsored bike ride on three static cycles.

Non-stop, from 8am to 8pm, the Connect schools work team were in the Square, having challenged themselves to ride exercise bikes non-stop as a fundraiser for its work in local secondary schools.

Dave Poulson, associate pastor at Crediton Congregational Church, explained: “Over the course of 12 hours, the team were joined by a wide variety of people – young, old, and everything in-between, including some who had been involved in Connect projects in their own school days, a couple of very serious cyclists, a chap dressed as a flamingo, several dogs (one of which made it up onto a bike), and a few keen individuals who came back several times during the day.

“By 8pm, the three bikes had been pedalled a grand total of 828 km (or 517 miles), enough to take the riders deep into Scotland (almost to John O’Groats as the crow flies), or to Paris via Dover with a bit to spare.

“So far, we’ve raised more than £500 through sponsorship and donations, so a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, and an equally big thank you to everyone who came down to the Square to either hop on a bike, have a chat, make us a cup of tea, or just to encourage us during the day.”

If you would like to support the Christian charity’s fundraising efforts, you can still make a donation here: www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/connectbike .

Connect is a schools-work charity which is active in Chulmleigh, Holsworthy, Okehampton, and at QE School in Crediton.

Connect works with students and staff through Religious Studies lessons, extra-curricular activities, pastoral support and anything else that helps young people to get the most out of their day.