CREDITON-based cycle company Bike Shed has presented another significant donation, £5,000, to the Exeter-based FORCE Cancer Charity.

The cycle firm raised the money at its Smuggler sportive in June.

This year’s event saw hundreds of cyclists from across the UK tackling 40, 50 and 80 mile challenges around some of North Devon’s most epic roads and historic routes, many of them exploited by smugglers of old.

Starting and finishing in Barnstaple Square, riders in The Smuggler are treated to jaw-dropping vistas, challenging climbs, epic descents and quiet roads.

Sarah Daniels, FORCE Head of Fundraising, says Bike Shed’s backing for FORCE is equally jaw-dropping.

The company, which also has shops in Exeter and Barnstaple offers expertise, financial support and manpower, which has proved invaluable over many years.

Sarah added: “Without the Bike Shed, our FORCE cycle events - The Nello, Autumn Storm and the Santa Cycle -wouldn’t be as successful as they are.

"We cannot thank Mike Sanders and his team enough for the help they provide."

In 2015 those cycle events raised more than £90,000 for FORCE, which funds research and equipment and offers face-to-face support for anyone locally affected by cancer.

The Smuggler is a Bike Shed event and the company is also sponsoring the Exeter Wheelers Hill Climb Festival, which includes a charity race in aid of FORCE on Saturday, September 24, in Stoke Woods.

Entries are also open for FORCE’s next two cycle rides.

Autumn Storm takes place on Sunday, October 9. Starting and finishing at Fingle Glen Golf Hotel, the route takes cyclists to Yeoford, Winkleigh, Broadwoodkelly, Monkokehampton, Sampford Courtenay and Cheriton Bishop. It is just under 60 miles in length and there are no shortcuts!

It costs only £20 to enter and is a recreational, non-competitive ride with food stops at Broadwoodkelly Village Hall and The Countryman pub in Sampford Courtenay.

The Santa Cycle, on Saturday, November 26, features 100 Santas riding from Topsham to Exmouth and sailing back up the River Exe to Topsham.

Entry costs £15 per adult and £7.50 per child – including the Santa Suit.

• FORCE works locally to offer face-to-face support for anyone affected by cancer. It is an independent charity, founded in 1987, which provides help for patients, their families and friends at its Support Centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Alan Quick