TWO local cyclists from Jacksons, Crediton, (part of Cadbury plc) took part in the 1,000 miles Deloitte "Ride Across Britain."

Rob Moore and Mark Holden were selected by Cadbury to cycle part of the route, as part of the Cadbury Relay Team.

Cadbury are sponsoring London 2010 ParalympicGB and employees raised funds through work colleagues, friends and family.

About 600 riders took part in the ride that started at John O'Groats, Scotland on June 12 and finished with a party at Land's End on June 20.

The route took in some of the quietest and most scenic roads in Britain passing Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and Lake Windermere, through rural Wales and into the South West.

The riders passed through Crediton on Saturday June 19 stopping for "pit stop" at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, where they chilled out under the shade of the trees, before heading down through Cornwall to Land's End.

Olympic rower and adventurer James Cracknell took part in the ride along with Olympic cyclist Rebecca Romero and Paralympic medalists Sarah Storey and Jody Cundy.

Rob and Mark trained hard to prepare for the gruelling ride and Mark looked very disappointed when the Courier caught up with him in Crediton.

He explained: "I had a crash. I came round a corner, hit the grass, then the Tarmac and finally hit a stationary car.

"I was so lucky that I was wearing a helmet, which was badly damaged in the accident.

"I would like to warn all young children out there how important it is to wear a helmet, without it I could have been seriously injured."

Mark was unable to complete the last leg of the ride because of his injuries, but received his medal at the finish along with the rest of the Cadbury team.

When Rob stopped at Crediton Leisure Centre for a "pit stop" he explained: "It's been a lot of fun but has been really really hard especially in Scotland where the weather was horrible.

"After day four it became more enjoyable, but I am looking forward to the finish."

Nora Parminter